Mountain Air Cargo

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

During the final approach on the instrument landing system, the pilot descended below the glidepath. The aircraft collided with a tree and struck the ground short of the runway threshold. The pilot was seriously injured.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

The aircraft was observed flying at low altitude along about a 5 mile distance. Some witnesses described the aircraft altitude as just above treetops. Witness heard engine sounds and saw lights on the aircraft. The aircraft flight was on a southeast direction before it collided with rising terrain at a height of about 1,250 feet. The wreckage was scattered along a distance of 375 feet and oriented on a 160° magnetic heading. The destination, Pittsburgh, is located southwest of the departure point, State College. Evidence of aircraft malfunction was not disclosed. The aircraft had 1,902 lbs of cargo including 65 lbs of dry ice which was contained in styrofoam boxes. Autopsy and toxicological findings were negative. The pilot flew nightly, from State College to Pittsburgh and returned the following morning. He operated a business during the day. Witnesses stated the pilot was well rested and in good spirits before the flight.

Beechcraft E18

Shortly after a night takeoff from Windsor Locks-Bradley Airport, while on a cargo flight to Baltimore, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.