Crash of a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle in Talladega: 5 killed
Date & Time:
Feb 13, 2001 at 1840 LT
Registration:
N5AY
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Hamilton – Talladega
MSN:
421A-0133
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total hours on type:
29.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4887
Circumstances:
The pilot and passengers were on a instrument flight returning home. When they were within range of the destination airport, the controller cleared the flight for an instrument approach. Moment later the pilot canceled his instrument flight plan and told the controller that he was below the weather. Low clouds, reduced visibility and fog existed at the destination airport at the time of the accident. The airplane collided with a river bank as the pilot maneuvered for the visual approach. The post-crash examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem.
Probable cause:
The pilot continued visual flight into instrument weather conditions that resulted in the inflight collision with a river bank. Factors were reduced visibility and dark night.
Final Report:
