Zone
Nevada

Crash of a Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator in Searchlight: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 28, 1972 at 0505 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator
Operator:
M. J. Herman
Registration:
N5552V
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Illegal (smuggling)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
San Luis – Searchlight
MSN:
4761
YOM:
1943
Location:
Searchlight
Nevada
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
5700
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was engaged in a drug smuggling flight from San Luis, Mexico, carrying marijuana. While approaching Searchlight by night, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck power cables 2,5 miles short of runway. After impact, the airplane lost height and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with high obstructions after the pilot misjudged distance and altitude on approach. The following factors were reported:
- Poorly planned approach,
- High obstructions,
- Hit powerline tower 125 feet above ground level,
- Transporting marijuana.
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed P-3A-55-LO Orion near Searchlight: 10 killed

Date & Time: Aug 3, 1970
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed P-3 Orion
Operator:
Registration:
152159
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Desert
Schedule:
Nellis – North Island – Barbers Point
MSN:
185-5129
YOM:
1965
Location:
Searchlight
Nevada
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
10
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
10
Circumstances:
The crew departed Nellis AFB in Las Vegas on a flight to Barbers Point NAS, Hawaii, with an intermediate stop at North Island-Halsey Field NAS in San Diego. Few minutes after takeoff, the airplane went through a thunderstorm area and encountered heavy turbulences. The pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive, partially disintegrated in the air and eventually crashed in a desert area located 10 miles northwest of Searchlight, Nevada. The airplane was totally destroyed and debris scattered on more that half a mile. All ten crew members were killed.
Crew (VP-17):
Lt Timothy D. Bailing,
Lt Norman L. Johnson,
Ltjg Henry J. McGreevey,
Adj1 Ambrose Ordonia,
Adj1 Johnny D. Shelton,
Atn3 Cletus L. Morrison,
Aw3 John D. Maas,
Aw3 John W. Schmitz,
Aw3 Michael A. Silvers,
Aw3 Bruce E. Weaver.
Probable cause:
The Navy concluded that the aircraft was struck by lightning, but Lockheed determined that the breakup of the aircraft in flight was caused by structural overloading of the right wing from a positive high angle of attack condition. Lockheed concluded that it was the uncontrollable flight and the resultant stresses that caused the aircraft to disintegrate in flight.
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