4 fatalities

Fatal Nighttime Crash of Twin-Engine Airplane at Iuka Airfield (N780JM)

Iuka, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On November 17, 1971, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N780JM) operated by Savannah Aero Service was involved in an aviation accident near Iuka, United States of America during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent during initial climb. Improper operation of flight controls on part of the pilot-in-command. It is possible that a temporary loss of power occurred. The departure was completed from an unlighted terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a swampy area shortly after a night takeoff from Iuka Airfield, killing all four occupants. The official investigation cited an uncontrolled descent during initial climb.

Incident Overview and Outcome A twin-engine airplane was destroyed in a fatal accident shortly after taking off at night from Iuka Airfield. According to the official investigation, the aircraft banked to the left after departure and subsequently crashed in a swampy area. All four people on board were killed in the incident. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the accident. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the probable cause was an uncontrolled descent during the initial climb. This was attributed to improper operation of the flight controls by the pilot-in-command. The official findings also noted that a temporary loss of power was possible. Additionally, the investigation recorded that the departure was completed from unlighted terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Nov 1971 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Iuka, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a swampy area shortly after a night takeoff from Iuka Airfield, killing all four occupants. The official investigation cited an uncontrolled descent during initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Nov 1971 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Nov 1971 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N780JM, operated by Savannah Aero Service, at Iuka, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Uncontrolled descent during initial climb. Improper operation of flight controls on part of the pilot-in-command. It is possible that a temporary loss of power occurred. The departure was completed from an unlighted terrain.