Date & Time:
May 17, 1988 at 0532 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Grand Commander 690
Operator:
Registration:
N660RB
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Atlanta – Memphis – Little Rock
MSN:
690-11305
YOM:
1976
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
Captain / Total hours on type:
1562
Aircraft flight hours:
6577
Circumstances:
The pilot had just returned from vacation in the Bahamas before starting a flight from Little Rock to Atlanta with an intermediate stop at Memphis. This itinerary was followed by a return flight to Little Rock via a reverse routing. Witnesses reported the pilot said he had only 2 hours of sleep before departing Little Rock and that he was really tired. Also, company personnel noted the pilot looked 'extremely tired' and was 'really dragging' prior to the last leg of the flight from Memphis to Little Rock. According to ATC personnel, the flight was routine until the aircraft was arriving at Little Rock. During arrival, the pilot was cleared to descend from 7,000 feet to 2,000 feet at his discretion for a visual approach to runway 22. At 0522 cdt, the pilot reported the airport in sight and was cleared for a visual approach. About 4 minutes later, he again reported the airport in sight and was cleared to land. At 1031, radar contact was lost and the aircraft crashed about 4 miles west of the airport. Initial impact was in an open field while descending in a relatively level attitude. The aircraft became airborne for about 3/4 mile, then crashed out of control in the Arkansas River. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
2. (f) light condition - dawn
3. Descent - initiated
4. (c) level off - not performed - pilot in command
5. (c) fatigue (lack of sleep) - pilot in command
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Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
2. (f) light condition - dawn
3. Descent - initiated
4. (c) level off - not performed - pilot in command
5. (c) fatigue (lack of sleep) - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Final Report:
N660RB.pdf90.74 KB
