On May 16, 1973, a Swearingen SA26T Merlin II (registration N1214S) operated by Winship Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Deadhorse, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain during initial approach following improper IFR operation on part of the pilot. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed 28 NM south of an airport during descent in marginal weather after the pilot became disoriented. Two passengers died, three others were injured. The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain due to improper IFR operation.
Accident Narrative
During descent in marginal weather conditions, the pilot lost spatial orientation and descended without visual ground reference. The airplane subsequently struck the ground and crashed 28 nautical miles south of the intended airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to three other occupants.
Probable Cause and Factors
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be controlled flight into terrain during initial approach following improper IFR operation by the pilot. The following factors were reported:
Became lost/disoriented
Low ceiling
Began approach before station passage
Descent below clearance limit
Exceeded 10 nautical mile arc outbound
Impacted terrain 28 nautical miles south of airport