7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Beechcraft A35 Bonanza | N410B

July 20th, 2024 | Gustavus, Alaska

Accident Location

  • City: Gustavus
  • State: Alaska
  • Latitude: 58.65852
  • Longitude: -137.13252
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N410B
  • Make: Beechcraft
  • Model: A35 Bonanza
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Wright, Samuel Bolling III
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 78
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Airline Transport Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Basic Med
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: July 20th, 2024
  • Time: 2:20 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: IMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No: ANC24LA069
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot attempted to maintain VFR in deteriorating IMC conditions, in the area of known mountainous terrain, well below the minimum safe altitude, and did impact the face wall of terrain. The wreckage and bodies of the 3 victims were never recovered.

NTSB: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological
conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be especially vigilant and not operate in periods of reduced visibility, mountain obscuration, or IMC conditions while attempting to maintain VFR. Pilots should plan routes and use available technology to avoid flight that could operate near terrain that exceeds the planned cruise altitude.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.