CESSNA 208B, PARKS, ARIZ., NOV. 8, 2002–At approximately 10:20 a.m. Cessna N514DB, operated by Brown County Financial Services LLC of Snyder, Texas, was destroyed when it crashed following an uncontrolled descent near Parks. The instrument-rated commercial pilot and his three passengers were killed. The aircraft was operating IFR as a Part 91 flight in IMC from Las Vegas to Midland, Texas.
According to the Albuquerque, N.M. Center, at approximately 10:15 a.m. the pilot requested a climb from 15,000 ft to 17,000 ft. The controller issued the clearance, the pilot acknowledged and less than three minutes later both radar and radio contact were lost.
The wreckage was located approximately 15 min later. According to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, a witness said he heard engine noises that sounded similar to those of an airplane doing aerobatics. Shortly thereafter, he saw the airplane come out of the clouds in a spin, pointing straight down. It disappeared behind trees, and he heard it hit the ground.