United States Government

Cessna 441 Conquest

A Cessna 441 operated by the US Customs Services collided with terrain while on an authorized night tactical flight. The copilot did not meet the currency standards as required by USCS and was not qualified in the aircraft. The flight originated during the daylight hours and continued to astronomical twilight. The pilots did not dark adapt previous to the night conditions. Dark adaption was impeded by flight through various light conditions created by terrain and ambient light levels. With night vision impeded the pilot would not have been able to distinguish relief of the terrain. The acft collided with a small ridge that abruptly rose 300 feet. Both occupants were killed.

Convair CV-240

Shortly after takeoff from Twin Falls-City County Airport, while climbing, the right engine lost power. As he was unable to feather the right propeller, the captain decided to reduce his altitude and completed a belly landing in a field located in Buhl, some 16 miles northwest of Twin Falls Airport. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and all three crew members were unhurt. They were completing a local flight on behalf of the United States Department of the Interior.

Beechcraft C18S

The twin engine aircraft was completing a regional flight on behalf of the Department of Commerce. While cruising in cloudy conditions, the airplane adopted a nose down attitude, started an uncontrolled descent and eventually struck power cables before crashing in Corona del Mar. The airplane was totally destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.

Douglas DC-2

On approach to Bathurst, Gambia, the aircraft went out of control and crashed few km short of runway. All three crew members were killed. The aircraft was en route from the US to Gambia to be delivered to the Royal Air Force. It was still the property of the US Government (Department of Treasury).