On July 25, 1976, a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 (registration N2244S) operated by Stryker Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Cody, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees on approach after the pilot exercised poor judgment. Contributing factor: Misjudged clearance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During approach to Cody Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames on a mountain a few miles from the field. The wreckage was found a day later; all four occupants were killed.
Incident
On approach to Cody Airport, the pilot of a twin-engine airplane failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The airplane subsequently struck trees and crashed in flames on a mountain located a few miles from the airfield. The wreckage was discovered a day later. All four occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the airplane collided with trees during the approach phase. The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient clearance from the terrain was identified as a key factor in the accident.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was collision with trees on approach after the pilot exercised poor judgment. A contributing factor was misjudged clearance.