Takeoff & Initial Climb · NTSB DEN08FA059
Cessna 414A — Benton, KS
| Date | February 17, 2008 |
| Location | Benton, KS |
| Aircraft | Cessna 414A |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Night · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Takeoff Other weather encounter |
| Pilot age | 49 |
| Pilot total time | 565 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | 52 hrs |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - F
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Rain-Not specified - F
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low ceiling-Not specified - F
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Physical-Impairment/incapacitation-OTC medication-Pilot
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Not specified
What happened
According to witnesses, the airplane departed runway 35 and was observed flying in and out of the clouds. Several of the witnesses observed the airplane initiate a turn to the west. One witnesses commented that it was dark but he could still see the silhouette of the airplane. He observed the airplane descend below the trees. All of the witnesses reported flames and "fireballs." On scene evidence was consistent with the airplane impacting trees in a left turn. The airplane was destroyed. An examination of the airplane, flight controls, engines, and remaining systems revealed no anomalies. Weather observations and radar data depicted low clouds, and restricted visibility due to rain and mist, in the vicinity of the airport. Toxicological examination revealed cetirizine, an antihistamine, consistent with use within the previous 12 hours. Most studies have not found any significant impairment from the medication, though it is reported to cause substantial sedation in some individuals.