AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: PILATUS PC-12 CRASH IN NORTHEAST WYOMING VIDEO
FREDERICK, Md., Aug. 1, 2024—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a recent accident.
On July 26, 2024, a Pilatus PC-12/47E crashed north of Gillette, Wyoming, after the pilot lost control of the aircraft. Sadly, all seven people on board the turboprop aircraft perished in the accident. No one on the ground was hurt.
The instrument-rated private pilot and six passengers had departed their fuel stop at Nebraska City Municipal Airport (KAFK) approximately two hours earlier for the 300-mile flight to Billings, Montana.
“In Early Analysis: Pilatus PC-12 Crash in Northeast Wyoming, the AOPA Air Safety Institute looks at factors that are expected to be the subject of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. We want to help general aviation pilots understand what is known about the accident and what we can learn from this tragedy to fly safer," said ASI Senior Vice President Mike Ginter.
Ginter continued, “The pilot reported autopilot trouble and problems controlling the aircraft while in cruise flight at 26,000 feet msl. He tried to regain control of the aircraft as he declared an emergency with air traffic control. The NTSB will likely look at en route weather, aircraft equipment, and pilot experience and proficiency.”
“As pilots, it is imperative that we continuously train for and be prepared to manage sudden in-flight system malfunctions to help us maintain positive control of our aircraft,” Ginter concluded.
Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.
View the video here.
View other Early Analysis videos here.
