Accident · 2023-02-24
What the record says
- Event date
- 2023-02-24
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- Fatal injury
- Aircraft
- PILATUS PC-12/45 (N273SM)
- Operating rule
- Part 135
- Operator
- Guardian Flight, LLC. Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- GUARDIAN FLIGHT LLC
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the disengagement of the autopilot for undetermined reasons, as well as the operator’s insufficient flight risk assessment process and lack of organizational oversight.
Source: NTSB case WPR23MA113Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot pilot flying | Commercial | Airplane | 46 | Class 1 (2022-06-01) | 2,136 total · 94.9 in this make/model · 45 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.