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5 fatalities

Airplane Crash in Nebraska Following Icing Encounter (N3ED)

Riverton, United States of AmericaFlight

On September 6, 1981, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N3ED) operated by Brandon Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Riverton, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

While en route from Lander to North Platte, Nebraska, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

During a flight from Lander to North Platte, Nebraska, the airplane was at cruising altitude when the pilot encountered icing conditions. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants on board were killed.

Official Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause to be an uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment.

Contributing Factors

The following contributing factors were identified:

  • Accumulation of airframe ice.
  • Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain.
  • The pilot was aware of four deferred maintenance discrepancies involving the anti-ice system.
  • A moderate icing forecast was in effect.
Icing

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