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2 fatalities

Cargo Flight Strikes Granville Mountain; Two Occupants Killed (N63731)

Granville, United States of AmericaFlight

On September 18, 1978, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N63731) operated by Palmer Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Granville, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight in adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: Unwarranted low flying, Low ceiling, Rain, Fog. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo airplane on a flight from Westfield-Barnes to Pontiac struck a mountain slope in Granville, Massachusetts, in marginal weather. Both occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 500 feet below the summit.

Accident Summary

While cruising in marginal weather conditions, a twin-engine cargo airplane on a flight from Westfield-Barnes to Pontiac struck the slope of a mountain in Granville, Massachusetts. The burnt wreckage was discovered 500 feet below the summit. Both occupants were killed in the accident.

Investigation

Investigators determined that the pilot had continued visual flight rules (VFR) operations despite adverse weather. The accident occurred in conditions characterized by low ceilings, rain, and fog.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight in adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors included unwarranted low flying, low ceiling, rain, and fog.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Sept 1978 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Granville, United States of America?

A twin-engine cargo airplane on a flight from Westfield-Barnes to Pontiac struck a mountain slope in Granville, Massachusetts, in marginal weather. Both occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 500 feet below the summit.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Sept 1978 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Sept 1978 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N63731, operated by Palmer Air Charter, at Granville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight in adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: Unwarranted low flying, Low ceiling, Rain, Fog.

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