# NTSB SEA06FA022: Cessna 425, N701QR, Belgrade, MT, November 30, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: November 29, 2005, 17:42 local (Nov 30, 2005, 00:42 UTC) - Place: Belgrade, MT - Coordinates: 45.831943, -111.160003 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8319&lon=-111.1600&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report October 3, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Cessna Aircraft Company - NTSB case key (mKey): 62912 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA06FA022 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62912/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=62912 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06FA022 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the approach which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were dark night conditions, clouds, icing conditions, low visibility and snow. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr) - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor) - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command(cfi) - light condition - dark night (contributing factor) - weather condition - snow (contributing factor) - weather condition - icing conditions (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane was on the final approach segment of an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight that originated approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes prior to the accident when radio communications with the aircraft were lost. The aircraft wreckage was located the following day approximately 2.8 miles from the destination airport. The airplane impacted terrain in a vertical descent and flat attitude and came to rest upright on its fuselage and wings. The cockpit and cabin were intact and both wing assemblies remained attached to the fuselage. Evidence of forward velocity and/or leading edge deformation was not observed to the wings or fuselage. Mixed ice was noted along the leading edge of both wings. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as low ceilings and low visibility due to snow and mist. The accident occurred during dark night conditions. Air traffic control (ATC) transcripts indicated that shortly after entering the holding pattern at 11,000 feet the pilot was issued an approach clearance for the ILS. The pilot acknowledged the clearance and approximately two minutes later ATC communications with the pilot were lost. Pilot logbook records showed that the pilot's total flight time was approximately 1,987 hours. In the six-month period preceding the accident, the pilot logged approximately 40 hours total time, 9 hours of actual instrument time and 7 instrument approaches in the accident airplane. The pilot's total night flying experience was approximately 51 hours. The pilot made no entries in his pilot logbook indicating that he had flown at night in the six-month time frame preceding the accident. Pilots flying the ILS approach prior to the accident aircraft reported mixed icing during the descent and final approach. Post accident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence to indicate a mechanical malfunction or failure. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On November 29, 2005, about 1742 mountain standard time, a Cessna 425 Conquest, N701QR, was destroyed after colliding with terrain approximately 2.8 nautical miles northeast of the Gallatin Field Airport (KBZN), Belgrade, Montana. The airplane was registered to Tech II, Inc, of Springfield Ohio, and was being operated by the pilot as an instrument flight rules (IFR) personal cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated in Algona, Iowa, approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes prior to the accident. Air traffic control (ATC) communications transcripts of the accident flight indicated that the accident aircraft was cleared, by Salt Lake City Center, for the ILS (instrument landing system) Runway 12 approach at 1738:21. Shortly after acknowledging the clearance, ATC radio communications with the pilot were lost. Salt Lake City Center issued an Alert Notice (ALNOT) for the missing aircraft on the evening of November 29. Search and rescue efforts for the missing aircraft were terminated on the night of the accident due to weather conditions and darkness. The following morning, at 0809, the wreckage was located in an open field about 2.8 NM northeast of the airport; approximately two miles north (left) of the extended centerline for the landing runway. Personnel from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office reported that the pilot had flown into the airport on previous occasions, however this was the first time he had done so in "bad" weather conditions. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, multi-engine land and instrument airplane ratings. The pilot's most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on December 3, 2004, and contained a limitation requiring the pilot to wear corrective lenses. Pilot training records showed that the pilot completed recurrent flight and ground training for the Cessna 425 through SIMCOM on April 3, 2005. The pilot successfully completed an instrument proficiency check (FAR 61.57[d]) and phase five of the Wings Pilot Proficiency Awards Program in conjunction with the April SIMCOM training. The pilot's initial Cessna 425 flight training was completed in June of 1999, at Flight Safety International. Pilot logbook records showed that the pilot's total flight time was approximately 1,987 hours, including 1,675 hours as pilot-in-command and 401 hours in a Cessna 425. In the six-month period preceding the accident, the pilot logged approximately 40 hours total time, 9 hours of actual instrument time and 7 instrument approaches in the accident airplane. The pilot's total night flying experience was approximately 51 hours. The pilot made no entries in his pilot logbook indicating that he had flown at night in the six-month time frame preceding the accident. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The twin engine Cessna Conquest 425, serial number 425-0148, was manufactured in 1982. The airplane was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-112 turbo prop engines, rated at 450 shaft horsepower. The pressurized airplane was certified for flight in icing conditions and single pilot operations. In addition to the originally installed instrumentation and avionics, the airplane was equipped with a Garmin GNS 530 global positioning system (GPS) with intergraded TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) . The GPS was certified for IFR en route, terminal and non-precision approach navigation. The airplane's last inspection was completed on May 12, 2005. The inspection included phases 2, 3, 7, 13, 26, 27 and D in accordance with Cessna maintenance guidelines. Corresponding maintenance records showed that the airplane's total time at inspection was 4,504 hours. The right engine's total time at inspection was 4,504 hours; the left engine's total time at inspection was 4,507 hours. Maintenance records showed that the last altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment test was completed on February 5, 2004. There were no known open logbook maintenance discrepancies with the aircraft at the time of the accident. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The closest weather observation facility to the accident site was the destination airport, Gallatin Field Airport (KBZN), Bozeman, Montana, located approximately 2.8 miles south of the accident site at an elevation of 4,474 feet msl. The airport is equipped with an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). The following official Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METARs) were issued surrounding the period of the accident: On November 29, at 1656, the METAR observation was, in part, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 7,000 feet, overcast skies at 8,000 feet, temperature minus 8 degrees Celsius (C), dew point minus 11 degrees C, altimeter 29.70 inches of Hg. At 1744, the SPECI (special weather observation report) was, in part, visibility 3 statute miles with light snow, overcast skies at 2,300 feet, temperature minus 7 degrees C, dew point minus 10 degrees C, altimeter 29.72 inches of Hg. At 1756, the METAR observation was, in part, wind from 130 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 1-3/4 statute miles with light snow and mist, overcast skies at 1,600 feet, temperature minus 7 degrees C, dew point minus 9 degrees C, altimeter 29.73 inches of Hg. At 1856, the METAR observation was, in part, wind from 190 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 1 statute mile with light snow and mist, broken clouds at 700 feet, overcast skies at 2,000 feet, temperature minus 6 degrees C, dew point minus 7 degrees C, altimeter 29.73 inches of Hg. The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) current for Gallatin Field Airport, Bozeman, Montana, was issued at 1038 and was current for a 24-hour period beginning at 1100 on November 29, 2005. The forecast for KBZN from 1100 was for variable winds at 5 knots, visibility better than 6 statute miles with showers in the vicinity, ceiling broken at 8,000 feet. From 1500, variable winds at 5 knots, visibility 2 statute miles and light snow, overcast skies at 2,500 feet, temporary changes expected between 1800 and 2200 for light snow and overcast skies at 2,500 feet. From 2200, winds from 130 degrees at 6 knots, visibility better than 6 statute miles with showers in the vicinity, broken clouds at 6,000 feet. At 1325, the pilot of N701QR filed an IFR flight plan and received a weather briefing, to include the forecast, for the intended route of flight from the Fort Dodge, Iowa, Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS). At 1545, the pilot of N701QR received an in-flight weather briefing from the Huron, South Dakota, AFSS. The briefing included the current and forecasted weather for Bozeman, Montana. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, official sunset was at 1642, and the end of civil twilight was at 1716. The Moon phase was waxing crescent with 4 percent of the Moon's visible disk illuminated. Pilots flying the ILS approach prior to the accident aircraft reported mixed icing during the descent and final approach. COMMUNICATION INFORMATION At 1714:11, Salt Lake Center advised the pilot that he would be number two for the approach into Bozeman. The pilot responded, stating, "okay thanks." At 1717:42, Salt Lake Center cleared N701QR to descend to 15,000 feet. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, stating, "one five thousand one seven oh one quebec romeo thank you." At 1719:04, Salt Lake Center cleared N701QR to Bozeman, via direct Livingston and victor eighty-six. The pilot responded by stating "ah victor eighty-six to Bozeman just a minute." At 1728:01, Salt Lake Center issued the following clearance: "November one quebec romeo after Bozeman VOR cleared ## Aircraft - Registration: [N701QR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N701QR-2008-05-23), registration cancelled 2008-05-23, S/N 425-0148, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 425 - Registry model: [Cessna 425](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-425) (registry code 2076018) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-canada-pt6a-60a) (registry code 52043, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 425-0148 - Airframe hours: 4504 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-112 450 horsepower turbo prop; Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-112 450 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Gerald A. Shiffer - Registered owner: Tech II, Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, May 1, 2005 - Departed: AXA, ALGONA, IA - Destination: BZN, Bozeman, MT - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: BZN, Gallatin Field, runway 12, 9,003 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2005; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,987 total, 1,675 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark - Wind: 130° at 4 knots - Visibility: 1.75 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast - Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 16 °F - Altimeter: 29.72 inHg - Observed at: KBZN, 3 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20051129028219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051129028219A), Nov 29, 2005: Cessna 425, Bozeman, MT, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) Aircraft appears to have stalled, and struck the ground, tail first, with forward movement approximately 8 feet after impact. All pieces of aircraft were… ## Docket (23 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 17, 2006, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=62912. 29.4 MB in all. - Meteorology 5 - Factual Report of Weather Specialist (item 1, .PDF, 167 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40242513&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorology%205%20-%20Factual%20Report%20of%20Weather%20Specialist-Master.PDF - Maps of Accident Area (item 2, .PDF, 4.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264036&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps%20of%20Accident%20Area-Master.PDF - Approach Chart (item 3, .PDF, 51 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264037&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Approach%20Chart-Master.PDF - Transcript of Radio Communications (item 4, .PDF, 290 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264038&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Transcript%20of%20Radio%20Communications-Master.PDF - Sheriff's Report (item 5, .PDF, 48 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264039&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Sheriff%27s%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Pratt & Whitney Field Notes (item 6, .PDF, 18.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264040&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pratt%20%26%20Whitney%20Field%20Notes-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 7, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264041&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 8, .PDF, 61 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264042&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 9, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264043&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Image 1. Main wreckage viewed from the front. (item 10, .PDF, 371 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264046&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%201.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20front.-Master.PDF - Image 2. Main wreckage viewed from the starboard side. (item 11, .PDF, 368 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264047&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%202.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20starboard%20side.-Master.PDF - Image 3. Main wreckage viewed from the starboard side. (item 12, .PDF, 362 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264048&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%203.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20starboard%20side.-Master.PDF - Image 4. Main wreckage viewed from the tail. (item 13, .PDF, 367 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264049&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%204.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20tail.-Master.PDF - Image 5. Main wreckage viewed from the tail. (item 14, .PDF, 376 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264050&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%205.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20tail.-Master.PDF - Image 6. Main wreckage viewed from the portside. (item 15, .PDF, 366 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264051&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%206.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20portside.-Master.PDF - Image 7. Main wreckage viewed from the portside. (item 16, .PDF, 369 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264052&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%207.%20%20Main%20wreckage%20viewed%20from%20the%20portside.-Master.PDF - Image 8. Left engine nacelle. (item 17, .PDF, 398 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264053&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%208.%20%20%20Left%20engine%20nacelle.-Master.PDF - Image 9. Forward section of the fuselage. (item 18, .PDF, 403 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264054&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%209.%20%20Forward%20section%20of%20the%20fuselage.-Master.PDF - Image 10. Left propeller assembly. (item 19, .PDF, 385 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264055&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%2010.%20%20Left%20propeller%20assembly.-Master.PDF - Image 11. Right propeller assembly and nacelle. (item 20, .PDF, 399 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264056&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%2011.%20%20Right%20propeller%20assembly%20and%20nacelle.-Master.PDF - Image 12. Right propeller assembly and nacelle. (item 21, .PDF, 405 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264057&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%2012.%20%20Right%20propeller%20assembly%20and%20nacelle.-Master.PDF - Image 13. Cockpit. (item 22, .PDF, 413 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264058&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%2013.%20%20Cockpit.-Master.PDF - Image 14. Cockpit. (item 23, .PDF, 388 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40264059&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Image%2014.%20%20Cockpit.-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.