On November 24, 1977, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N801HD) operated by Kirkway Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with object due to improper IFR operation and improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported: - Delayed in initiating go-around, - Fog, - High obstructions, - Visibility down to zero. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
On approach to Beckley-Raleigh County Airport, a twin-engine airplane encountered foggy conditions, struck a steel-reinforced concrete wall, and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed, and all six occupants were killed. The probable cause was collision with an object due to improper IFR operation and improper level off, with contributing factors including delayed go-around, fog, high obstructions, and zero visibility.
Accident Details
On approach to Beckley-Raleigh County Airport, the pilot encountered foggy conditions. During the last segment of the approach, the twin-engine airplane struck a steel-reinforced concrete wall. The aircraft then crashed and caught fire. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the airplane, and all six occupants were killed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with an object due to improper IFR operation and improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported:
Delayed in initiating a go-around
Fog
High obstructions
Visibility down to zero
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Nov 1977 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America?
On approach to Beckley-Raleigh County Airport, a twin-engine airplane encountered foggy conditions, struck a steel-reinforced concrete wall, and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed, and all six occupants were killed. The probable cause was collision with an object due to improper IFR operation and improper…
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Nov 1977 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Nov 1977 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N801HD, operated by Kirkway Corporation, at Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Collision with object due to improper IFR operation and improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported: - Delayed in initiating go-around, - Fog, - High obstructions, - Visibility down to zero.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…