Date & Time:
Jan 24, 1965 at 1225 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft D18
Operator:
Registration:
N5970C
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
MSN:
A-845
YOM:
1952
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
En route, weather conditions worsened with snow falls, thunderstorm activity and turbulences. In low visibility, the twin engine aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located in the region of Elko. Due to poor weather conditions, SAR operations were hampered and eventually suspended few days later. The wreckage was found on 13 May 1965 in an isolated area. The pilot was killed. The aircraft was owned by David E. Gast.
Probable cause:
Loss of control following a powerplant failure for undetermined rasons. The pilot in command continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions (turbulences associated with clouds and thunderstorm, downdrafts and updrafts).
Final Report:
N5970C.pdf173.08 KB
