Structural failure during descent near destination airport

1 fatality • Golden, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure during its descent, resulting in the loss of several major flight control surfaces before impacting the ground.

What happened

During the descent phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe structural failure. The failure resulted in the separation of the right outer wing, the horizontal stabilizer, and the vertical stabilizer from the main fuselage. Following this disintegration, the aircraft impacted the ground at a location situated roughly 10 miles away from its intended destination airport.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was being operated at its maximum operating speed, known as Vne, during the descent. Additionally, data from radar and other investigative research confirmed that the aircraft was flying through an area characterized by known severe turbulence at the time of the structural breakup.

Probable cause

The aircraft underwent structural failure due to operating at maximum speed within an area of severe turbulence.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-12-22 Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 accident near Golden, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure during its descent, resulting in the loss of several major flight control surfaces before impacting the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-12-22 Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-12-22 involved a Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840, registration N81TR, operated by Casper Air Service, at Golden, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft underwent structural failure due to operating at maximum speed within an area of severe turbulence.

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