On May 9, 1970, a Learjet 23 (registration N434EJ) operated by Executive Jet Aviation - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Pellston-Emmet County, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Illusions produced by the lack of visual cues during a circling approach over unlighted terrain at night to a runway not equipped with approach lights or other visual approach aids. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On approach to Pellston-Emmet County, an aircraft struck trees short of the runway and crashed in flames, killing all six occupants including labor leader Walter Reuther. The official probable cause cited visual illusions from lack of cues at night and a possible altimeter error.
Accident Overview
An aircraft on approach to Pellston-Emmet County Airport crashed short of the runway, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all six occupants. Among the victims was Walter Reuther, President of the American Union of Workers in the Automotive Industry.
Sequence of Events
The approach was initiated under limited visibility due to clouds. During the final approach, the crew did not recognize that the aircraft’s altitude was too low. The airplane struck trees and crashed in flames approximately a few miles from the runway threshold.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be illusions produced by the lack of visual cues during a circling approach over unlighted terrain at night to a runway not equipped with approach lights or other visual approach aids. These illusions led the pilot to believe he was higher than his actual altitude. The illusions were made more acceptable to the pilot because of a strong possibility that his altimeter displayed an erroneously high indication.