AOPA’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) today released an Early Analysis video that provides an initial examination of the Pilatus PC-12 crash north of Gillette, Wyoming, that occurred last Friday. The instrument-rated private pilot and six passengers aboard the turboprop single perished in the accident.
Registered as N357HE to Haynie Enterprises, the PC-12 was two hours into a flight from Nebraska City Municipal Airport (KAFK), where a fuel stop was made, to Montana’s Billings Logan International Airport (KBIL) when it crashed. FlightAware flight data indicates that the aircraft was at FL260 when it began to experience altitude oscillations about three minutes before the crash. N357HE’s ADS-B transmissions ceased at 23,400 feet.
“The pilot reported autopilot trouble and problems controlling the aircraft while in cruise flight at 26,000 feet msl. He tried to regain control of the aircraft as he declared an emergency with air traffic control,” said ASI senior v-p Mike Ginter. “The NTSB will likely look at en route weather, aircraft equipment, and pilot experience and proficiency.”
He added, “As pilots, it is imperative that we continuously train for and be prepared to manage sudden in-flight system malfunctions to help us maintain positive control of our aircraft.”
ASI’s Early Analysis videos “provide an initial assessment of prominent accidents that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.”