Las Vegas - Torrence

No record could be found showing the pilot received a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Unfavorable weather was in the vicinity. Several times the pilot had difficulties understanding and complying with instructions from clearance delivery, ground control, and departure control. After takeoff the pilot requested and received an IFR clearance. During the last five minutes of flight radar returns showed the airplane changing heading from 45° to as much as 180° about 10 times and descending or ascending several times from altitudes ranging from 4,500 feet msl to 11,500 feet msl. The altitude and heading changes were not directed by controllers. About 3 minutes before the accident departure control asked the pilot if he had a problem. The pilot indicated that he did and 'we're trying to get straight.' One minute later, the pilot said 'we're all right.' Shortly afterwards, radar data showed a loss of control. Radar and communications were lost and an on ground explosion was observed as the accident occurred. An FAA flight surgeon reviewed the pilot's medical records. Within one year of the accident the pilot had 3 physical conditions and was taking 3 separate prescriptions which would have prevented him from being medically qualified to pilot an aircraft. All seven occupants were killed.

Flight / Schedule

Las Vegas - Torrence

Registration

N425BN

MSN

425-0057

Year of Manufacture

1981

Date

January 11, 1992 at 06:08 PM

Type

CRASH

Flight Type

Private

Flight Phase

Takeoff (climb)

Crash Site

Mountains

Crash Location

Las Vegas Nevada

Region

North America • United States of America

Coordinates

36.1674°, -115.1484°

Crash Cause

Human factor

Narrative Report

On January 11, 1992 at 06:08 PM, Las Vegas - Torrence experienced a crash involving Cessna 425 Conquest, operated by George N. Derenia, with the event recorded near Las Vegas Nevada.

The flight was categorized as private and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a mountains crash site.

7 people were known to be on board, 7 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

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

The listed crash cause is human factor. No record could be found showing the pilot received a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Unfavorable weather was in the vicinity. Several times the pilot had difficulties understanding and complying with instructions from clearance delivery, ground control, and departure control. After takeoff the pilot requested and received an IFR clearance. During the last five minutes of flight radar returns showed the airplane changing heading from 45° to as much as 180° about 10 times and descending or ascending several times from altitudes ranging from 4,500 feet msl to 11,500 feet msl. The altitude and heading changes were not directed by controllers. About 3 minutes before the accident departure control asked the pilot if he had a problem. The pilot indicated that he did and 'we're trying to get straight.' One minute later, the pilot said 'we're all right.' Shortly afterwards, radar data showed a loss of control. Radar and communications were lost and an on ground explosion was observed as the accident occurred. An FAA flight surgeon reviewed the pilot's medical records. Within one year of the accident the pilot had 3 physical conditions and was taking 3 separate prescriptions which would have prevented him from being medically qualified to pilot an aircraft. All seven occupants were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration N425BN, MSN 425-0057, year of manufacture 1981.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 36.1674°, -115.1484°.

Fatalities

Total

7

Crew

1

Passengers

6

Other

0

Crash Summary

No record could be found showing the pilot received a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Unfavorable weather was in the vicinity. Several times the pilot had difficulties understanding and complying with instructions from clearance delivery, ground control, and departure control. After takeoff the pilot requested and received an IFR clearance. During the last five minutes of flight radar returns showed the airplane changing heading from 45° to as much as 180° about 10 times and descending or ascending several times from altitudes ranging from 4,500 feet msl to 11,500 feet msl. The altitude and heading changes were not directed by controllers. About 3 minutes before the accident departure control asked the pilot if he had a problem. The pilot indicated that he did and 'we're trying to get straight.' One minute later, the pilot said 'we're all right.' Shortly afterwards, radar data showed a loss of control. Radar and communications were lost and an on ground explosion was observed as the accident occurred. An FAA flight surgeon reviewed the pilot's medical records. Within one year of the accident the pilot had 3 physical conditions and was taking 3 separate prescriptions which would have prevented him from being medically qualified to pilot an aircraft. All seven occupants were killed.

Cause: Human factor

Occupants & Outcome

Crew On Board

1

Passengers On Board

6

Estimated Survivors

0

Fatality Rate

100.0%

Known people on board: 7

Operational Details

Schedule / Flight

Las Vegas - Torrence

Flight Type

Private

Flight Phase

Takeoff (climb)

Crash Site

Mountains

Region / Country

North America • United States of America

Aircraft Details

Registration

N425BN

MSN

425-0057

Year of Manufacture

1981