Accident Details
Date
Friday, June 2, 1989
NTSB Number
DEN89MA130
Location
BIG TIMBER, MT
Event ID
20001213X28565
Coordinates
45.959381, -109.850463
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
Highest Injury
Fatal
Fatalities
4
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
4
Probable Cause and Findings
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION, INADEQUATE INITIAL TRAINING OF THE PILOT BY THE OPERATOR, THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AND THE COMPANY'S INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS/REQUIREMENTS.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N76KM
Make
BELL
Serial Number
51103
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
MICHAEL ZICKA LEASING CO
Address
11264 GROOMS ROAD
Status
Deregistered
City
CINCINNATI
State / Zip Code
OH 45242
Country
United States
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN89MA130