Glendive – Hilger

On December 18, 1968 at 07:18 AM, Glendive – Hilger experienced a crash involving Rockwell Aero Commander 500, operated by Combs FreightAir, with the event recorded near Glendive Montana.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

7 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 6 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 14.3%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 6, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. During the takeoff roll at Glendive-Dawson County Airport, the pilot encountered engine trouble and decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and attempted an emergency braking manoeuvre. On a runway covered with two inches of snow, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest down a bank. Six occupants were injured and a passenger was killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration N6281X, MSN 500-1150-82, year of manufacture 1962.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 47.1053°, -104.7125°.