Fatal aviation accident: ROCKWELL 690 near Apache Junction (2011-11-24)
Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain a safe ground track and altitude combination for the moonless night visual flight rules flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's complacency and lack of situational awareness and his failure to use air traffic control visual flight rules flight following or minimum safe altitude warning services. Also contributing to the accident was the airplane's lack of onboard terrain awareness and warning system equipment. Member Sumwalt filed a concurring statement that can be found in the public docket for this accident. Member Weener joined the statement.