Glendo | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Prior to departure, the pilot was informed about poor weather conditions en route and was instructed to follow the normal route which is longer. The aircraft departed Helena at 1600LT then the pilot failed to follow the instructions and continued through a mountainous region at an altitude of 8,500 feet. Later, while cruising at a height of some 10,000 feet in low visibility due to fog and rain, the single engine aircraft impacted the slope of the Lamario Peak, some 43 miles west of Glendo. The wreckage was found few hours later. All three occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was poor judgment on the part of the pilot for attempting to unnecessarily fly over a hazardous route.

Crash of a Boeing 221A Monomail near Glendo: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 27, 1935 at 1605 LT

Type of aircraft:

Boeing 221 Monomail

Operator:

Registration:

NC725W

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Postal (mail)

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Billings – Sheridan – Casper – Cheyenne

MSN:

1153

YOM:

1930

Location:

Glendo

Wyoming

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The pilot was performing a mail flight from Billings to Cheyenne with intermediate stops in Sheridan and Casper. While cruising in poor weather conditions, he reduced his altitude to maintain a visual contact with the ground. While following Route 185 to Cheyenne, he failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane impacted a hill located 21 kilometers south from Glendo. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was an accidental collision with the ground while flying low due to severe local conditions.