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).
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.
What happened in the 6 Sept 1981 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Riverton, United States of America?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 1981 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Sept 1981 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N3ED, operated by Brandon Aviation, at Riverton, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the ground after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment.
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