On June 5, 1978, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N176CC) operated by Benjamin G. Cobb was involved in an aviation accident near Lamar, United States of America during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled collision with ground during climb to cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane entered a controlled descent and crashed in a field after takeoff from Lamar Municipal Airport, destroying the aircraft and killing all four occupants. The probable cause was inadequate preflight preparation.
Accident Overview
Shortly after departing from Lamar Municipal Airport, a twin-engine airplane began climbing but subsequently entered a controlled descent. The aircraft impacted terrain in a field located approximately three miles south of the airport. The impact destroyed the airplane, and all four occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a controlled collision with ground during climb to cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation.
Contributing Factors
The investigation reported several contributing factors:
Diverted attention from operation of aircraft
Pilot fatigue
Two large dogs and a cat in the aircraft, unrestrained
The pilot had flown approximately 6 hours and performed 2 operations on the day of the accident
What happened in the 5 Jun 1978 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Lamar, United States of America?
A twin-engine airplane entered a controlled descent and crashed in a field after takeoff from Lamar Municipal Airport, destroying the aircraft and killing all four occupants. The probable cause was inadequate preflight preparation.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1978 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jun 1978 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N176CC, operated by Benjamin G. Cobb, at Lamar, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled collision with ground during climb to cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation
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