In-flight collision with terrain during descent to Pueblo Memorial Airport

2 fatalities • Pueblo, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into tundra at high speed while descending toward Pueblo Memorial Airport, resulting in a fatal in-flight collision with terrain.

What happened

During the descent phase of the flight, air traffic control issued instructions for the crew to descend to 7,500 feet and execute a right turn to a heading of 040 degrees. This maneuver was intended to facilitate an ASR approach into Pueblo Memorial Airport, with a minimum descent altitude set at 5,200 feet. The flight crew responded to these instructions with an incorrect readback, stating "left to one forty five two zero zero." Although approach control corrected the heading to 040 degrees and received an acknowledgment from the crew, no subsequent communications were recorded.

The aircraft subsequently impacted tundra while traveling at an estimated speed exceeding 200 mph. The impact occurred during level flight on a heading of approximately 040 degrees. Post-accident examinations of the co-pilot revealed that the trachea, bronchi, and lungs contained aspirated gastric contents, including skeletal muscle fibers. Additionally, a report from another company pilot indicated that the co-pilot had experienced vomiting during a previous flight on November 14, 1982.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors regarding the crew and environmental conditions:

  • The incident occurred during dark night conditions.
  • The pilot in command was noted to be inattentive regarding altitude.
  • There was evidence of diverted attention from the pilot in command.
  • Physical impairment was noted regarding the co-pilot.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an in-flight collision with terrain during descent, exacerbated by pilot inattention and physical impairment of the co-pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-12-07 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident near Pueblo, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into tundra at high speed while descending toward Pueblo Memorial Airport, resulting in a fatal in-flight collision with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-12-07 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-12-07 involved a Swearingen SA227 Metro III, registration N30093, operated by Pioneer Airlines - USA, at Pueblo, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an in-flight collision with terrain during descent, exacerbated by pilot inattention and physical impairment of the co-pilot.

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