5 fatal · Beech A36TC · 1997-05-12 · TRUCKEE, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX97FA177
Event ID
20001208X07942
Type
Accident
Date
1997-05-12
Location
TRUCKEE, CA, USA
Coordinates
39.329059, -120.23973
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
5
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
5
Aircraft
Make
Beech
Model
A36TC
Registration
N6174N
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DUSK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain altitude and clearance above the terrain, while turning (for an unknown reason) back toward the airport after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the environmental conditions (light conditions at dusk and high density altitude) and lack of visual cues, while turning toward darker conditions; and spatial disorientation of the pilot.