Pilatus Aircraft Ltd PC-12/47E accident near Recluse, WY
On July 26, 2024, a Pilatus Aircraft Ltd PC-12/47E (airplane) was involved in an accident near Recluse, WY. 7 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- July 26, 2024
- Place
- Recluse, WY
- Aircraft
- Pilatus Aircraft Ltd PC-12/47E · Airplane
- Injuries
- 7 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 44.877°N, 105.589°W
- NTSB ID
- 20240727194777
Official records · WPR24FA257
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
Air traffic control records
- ATC - Zmp - Zdv - Zlc Artcc Audio: Recording (ZIP), on ntsb.gov
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn July 26, 2024, about 1304 MDT, a Pilatus Aircraft LTD, PC-12/47E airplane, N357HE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Recluse, Wyoming. The pilot and six passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A review of ADS-B and OpsVue data provided by the FAA showed that the airplane departed Nebraska City Municipal Airport (AFK), Nebraska City, Nebraska, about 1200 local time, and flew on a northwest track with an intended destination of Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), Billings, Montana. The data showed that the airplane initially leveled off at about 24,000 ft msl for about 430 miles and then climbed to a maximum cruise altitude of about 26,000 ft msl for the last 140 miles. About 1302 MDT, the airplane maneuvered to the right of course and climbed to about 26,550 ft msl and entered a 270° right turn. In the first 180° of the turn, the airplane descended to about 25,250 ft msl; however, it then climbed to about 27,075 ft msl in in the last 90° of the turn. Shortly after, the data showed the airplane made a slight left turn before it began a descending 180° right turn. The last data point showed the airplane on a southerly heading, at an altitude of about 21,900 ft msl, and with a groundspeed of 256 knots. Figure 1. A graphic created with OpsVue data showing 10 points of a profile view of the accident flight. According to ADS-B data, the autopilot was disengaged at 1302:10. Subsequently, the airplane’s vertical rate indicated a climb for about the n
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction from the autopilot disconnecting due to an updraft from convective activity.
More accidents in WY
- Cessna 441, Aug 29, 1986
- Cessna 182A, Mar 13, 2016
- Cessna T310R, Jul 18, 2015
- Piper PA-32R-301T, Oct 9, 2012
- Mooney M20J, Oct 25, 2010
Browse: Wyoming · Pilatus aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
