On July 13, 1978, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N76214) operated by Coast Air - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Candor, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during nighttime flight operations, leading to a collision with an obstacle. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tree during a night training mission, resulting in five fatalities.
What happened
A US Army training mission ended in a fatal accident when a twin engine airplane struck vegetation during nighttime operations. The flight originated from Fort Bragg AFB and was conducting scheduled training exercises at the time of the incident.
While operating under night conditions, the aircraft impacted a tree in the vicinity of Candor, located approximately 43 miles northwest of Fort Bragg AFB. The aircraft was occupied by two pilots and three passengers at the moment of impact. The collision resulted in five fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the pilot was operating at an insufficient altitude during the flight. The primary factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude while flying at night, which led to the aircraft making contact with the tree.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during nighttime flight operations, leading to a collision with an obstacle.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Jul 1978 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Candor, United States of America?
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tree during a night training mission, resulting in five fatalities.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 1978 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jul 1978 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N76214, operated by Coast Air - USA, at Candor, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during nighttime flight operations, leading to a collision with an obstacle.
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