Riverton

During the initial climb after takeoff, while executing a dark-night departure, the pilot failed to maintain clearance from rising terrain about one and one-quarter mile off the end of the runway. Operator records indicated that the pilot had flown out of this airport in the past, and that the aircraft was approximately 600 pounds below maximum certificated gross weight at the time of departure. A teardown inspection of both engines revealed no pre-impact anomalies, and visual and teardown inspections of the propellers showed damage signatures consistent with ground contact in a flat pitch under significant power.

The aircraft was on an air ambulance (EMS) flight and was cleared for the ILS runway 08 approach at Casper, WY. Radar data showed the aircraft tracking and descending normally on the DME arc, until it was below radar coverage for the area. Subsequently, it collided with the top of a ridge, along the localizer centerline, before reaching the outer marker, about 8 miles from the airport. Elevation of the crash site was about 5,800 feet; minimum descent altitude before intercepting the ILS glide slope was 7,100 feet; crossing altitude at the outer marker was 6,700 feet. All four occupants were killed, a patient, two doctors and a pilot.

On 5/1/86, the pilot had an acoustic tumor removed from his right ear which included the removal of the 8th nerve (balance nerve). His attending physician suggested approximately 1 year period of recuperation due to equilibrium problems associated with this type of surgery. On 7/12/86, he had a 1st class medical exam and received a medical certificate which was valid for flight test only. On 8/28/86, while taking off at night, the aircraft collided with rising terrain approximately 1.5 mile from the end of the runway at an elevation of about 5,600 feet. The airport elevation was 5,586 feet. A witness stated that he saw the aircraft takeoff, but it did not climb after takeoff. An investigation revealed that the accident occurred in an area that was isolated from ground lights. A post crash examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine or propellers. According to the pilot's log book, his last night flight was on 3/22/85. He had been on duty for approximately 14 hours when the accident occurred. All seven occupants were killed.

While in cruising altitude on a flight from Lander to North Platte, Nebraska, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent then crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed.

At liftoff, both engines lost power. The pilot elected to return but eventually decided to make an emergency landing. He was forced to make an evasive maneuver to avoid collision and completed a belly landing in an open field. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were seriously injured.