Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (2024)

This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can submit corrected information.

Date:Thursday 14 December 2023
Time:12:18
Type:Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (1)
Pilatus PC-12/45
Owner/operator:Timeless USA LLC
Registration: N188PC
MSN: 188
Year of manufacture:1997
Fatalities:Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Category:Accident
Location:near San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT/KSJT), San Angelo, TX - Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (2) United States of America
Phase: Approach
Nature:Private
Departure airport:Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport, FL (CRG/KCRG)
Destination airport:San Angelo Regional Airport, TX (SJT/KSJT)
Investigating agency:NTSB
Confidence Rating:Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (3) Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities

Narrative:
On December 14, 2023, about 1218 central standard time (CST), a Pilatus PC-12/45, N188PC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Christoval, Texas. The pilot, one passenger, and three pets were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control (ATC) recordings and automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane had departed Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (CRG), Jacksonville, Florida, about 0751 CST, and was en route to San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT), San Angelo, Texas. The pilot was receiving radar vectors for the RNAV (GPS) runway 36 approach to SJT and was level about 4,300 ft mean sea level (msl). About 1211, the pilot reported to ATC that the tops of the clouds were variable between 4,100 ft and 4,400 ft msl.

At 12:17:24, ATC stated, “turn right heading 030 maintain 4,300 [ft msl] until established on the final approach course, cleared RNAV 36 approach”
At 12:17:32, the flight track passed through the final approach course and continued a shallow right turn
At 12:17:36, the pilot stated “we overshot it”
At 12:17:39, ATC stated “I know that’s why a gave you a 030”
At 12:17:40, the flight track began a right descending turn about 1,000 fpm
At 12:17:44, the descent rate was about 5,000 fpm and the right turn steepened
At 12:17:47, the pilot stated “we got a problem” and was the final recorded transmission from the accident airplane
At 12:17:49, the flight track continued in a steep right turn with a descent rate about 15,000

The airplane impacted trees and terrain about 15 miles south of SJT and the wreckage debris was aligned on a 100° magnetic heading. The initial impact point was defined by a small tree that was cut at a 24° angle slanted down toward south and surrounded by small wreckage debris, which included pieces of the right wing tip and a green navigation light. The initial ground impact crater was immediately adjacent to the tree, measured about 1 ft deep by 20 ft long, and contained a lot of small wreckage debris and one propeller blade. The main wreckage was located about 500 ft to the east of the initial impact area. A large section of the left wing remained mostly intact and was found on the right side of the debris field near the main wreckage. The area between the initial impact and the main wreckage contained a significant amount of airplane parts and wreckage debris. The main portion of the engine was located about 870 ft from the initial impact area. The farthest piece of wreckage was a main landing gear tire that was located about 1,320 ft from the initial impact. Several portions of the wreckage sustained thermal damage and contained black soot.

The engine components exhibited torsional deformation and rotational signatures. The propeller impact-separated from the engine with the propeller shaft and associated reduction gearbox bearings still attached. The cylinder, piston, and feathering spring assembly impactseparated from the propeller hub and were found near the propeller assembly about 50 ft from the engine. The propeller assembly and two blades remained attached and two of the four blades impact-separated from the propeller assembly. One blade fractured from the blade retention pocket and was found in the initial impact crater. The other blade fractured at the shank and was found just east of the initial impact crater in the debris field. All four blades exhibited chordwise rotational scoring, leading edge gouges, and compound bend and twist signatures.

The archived meteorological information and the accident pilot’s report to ATC revealed that the airplane was likely in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during the approach. There was potential for turbulence in clouds, no icing below 11,000 ft, and no significant precipitation noted.

Maintenance records revealed that the airplane had undergone an annual inspection which was completed on November 22, 2023, at aircraft total time 3,990.1 hours.

The pilot’s electronic flight logbook revealed that in the last year he had accumulated about 111 hours in the accident airplane, of which 16.3 hours were logged in actual IMC.

In 2020, the airplane was upgraded with Garmin avionics and components that included two Garmin G600TXi touchscreen flight displays, two Garmin GTN750Xi flight navigators, a Garmin GI275 electronic attitude indicator, and a Garmin GMC 605 autopilot controller. These devices were located in the wreckage and were sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for examination and data extraction.

The wreckage was retained for further examination and testing.

Accident investigation:

Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (4)

Investigatingagency:NTSB
Reportnumber:
Status: Preliminary report
Duration:
Download report: Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (5) Preliminary report

Sources:


https://sanangelolive.com/news/crashes/2023-12-14/large-business-class-plane-crashes-south-airport?fbclid=IwAR1g8RXOEZKeaiAZyUQOJkKNu82-tb2DTStd3Pm3oi81gaJ8yMeLluur6yg
https://ktxs.com/news/abilene/breaking-news-plane-crash-near-san-angelo-12-14-2023

NTSB
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=188PC
https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a15fac&lat=31.111&lon=-100.512&zoom=12.1&showTrace=2023-12-14&trackLabels~

https://cdn.jetphotos.com/full/5/29723_1571594069.jpg (photo)

Location

Media:


NTSB is investigating the crash of a Pilatus PC-12 airplane in San Angelo, Texas.

— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) December 14, 2023

A Pilatus PC-12 just crashed a few miles south of KSJT airport in #SanAngelo. Details: https://t.co/I6ukbqhaRw pic.twitter.com/2xlI9fI9Jl

— San Angelo Live (@SanAngeloLIVE) December 14, 2023

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
14-Dec-2023 20:39Captain AdamAdded
14-Dec-2023 20:59harroUpdated [Other fatalities]
14-Dec-2023 20:59harroUpdated [Other fatalities, Category]
14-Dec-2023 21:02harroUpdated [Operator, Other fatalities]
14-Dec-2023 21:08harroUpdated [Time, Aircraft type, Registration, Cn, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Source]
14-Dec-2023 21:10harroUpdated [Other fatalities, Narrative]
14-Dec-2023 21:14AerossuranceUpdated [Embed code]
14-Dec-2023 22:24RobertMBUpdated [Time, Operator, Location, Source, Embed code, Damage, Narrative, Category]
15-Dec-2023 03:44RobertMBUpdated [Total fatalities, Total occupants, Source, Embed code, Narrative]
15-Dec-2023 14:43Captain AdamUpdated [Location, Source, Narrative]
04-Jan-2024 20:12Captain AdamUpdated [Time, Nature, Narrative, Category, Accident report]

Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description

Accident Pilatus PC-12/45 N188PC, (2024)

FAQs

What is the accident rate of the Pilatus PC-12? ›

PC-12 Safety Record

This gives the PC-12 an accident rate of 0.27 per million flight hours, significantly lower than the accident rate for all single-engine turboprop aircraft (1.15 per million flight hours). Interesting to note, none of these fatalities were caused by engine failure.

What is the safest turboprop airplane? ›

Statistical data reveals that the safety record of the PC-12 with the PT6 exceeds other single-engine aircraft by far, outperforming even twin-engine turboprops.

How much does it cost to operate a Pilatus PC-12 45? ›

Based on 450 annual owner-operated hours and $6.00-per-gallon fuel cost, the PILATUS PC-12/41/45 has total variable costs of $452,250.00, total fixed costs of $195,134.00, and an annual budget of $647,384.00.

Can a private pilot fly a Pilatus PC-12? ›

Yes, a private pilot can fly a PC-12 with the right training and certification. The PC-12 Legacy offers exceptional performance, range, and reliability, making it an attractive choice for private pilots. With its spacious cabin and advanced avionics, it provides a comfortable and efficient flying experience.

How many Pilatus have crashed? ›

Incidents with Pilatus PC-12

There have been a total of 29 recorded incidences with the Pilatus PC-12, according to the Aviation Safety Network. One major accident occurred on March 22, 2009 when the aircraft crashed on approach to the Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, Montana.

Which aircraft has the highest accident rate? ›

Over the past six decades, around 518 fatal hull loss accidents have been reported worldwide. The narrow-body airliner Boeing 727 was the commercial jet with the highest number of fatal hull losses from 1959 to 2020, recording 56 accidents around the world.

Are turboprops safer than jets? ›

Propeller Aircraft Safety

Propellers and the hubs they are attached to are equally dependable as the jet engine fan hubs and blades. And the powerplant that supplies the energy are of similar design. There is no reason that we know of that exposes Turboprop aircraft to higher risk that Jet aircraft.

What is the safest airliner ever? ›

An Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9. The world's safest aircraft have been named in Boeing's Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents 1959 – 2022.

What is the major disadvantage of the turboprop? ›

Low Cruising Speed

Turboprops have a slower maximum cruising speed than jet engines (up to approximately 300 knots indicated airspeed), resulting in a longer flight time.

Can a Pilatus PC-12 cross the Atlantic? ›

The Circumnavigation

They then flew west back across the Atlantic, and then south across the equator again to Brazil and continued flying south over Argentina and Chile, to King George Island. Jack's aircraft was the first PC-12 ever to land in Antarctica!

How much do Pilatus PC-12 pilots make? ›

As of May 28, 2024, the average annual pay for a Pc 12 Pilot in the United States is $130,916 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $62.94 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,517/week or $10,909/month.

Why is the Pilatus PC-12 so popular? ›

The reason it can reliably make the flight so many pilots want is because the PC-12 has more than 1,500 miles of still air range with a 1,200-pound payload. That means the PC-12 has the range to nearly span the continent downwind, and can always make it across the country upwind with only one stop.

Is there a bathroom on a Pilatus PC-12? ›

The Pilatus PC-12 is indeed equipped with a lavatory, making it a convenient choice for passengers who value comfort and privacy during their journeys. The lavatory is located at the front of the cabin and is designed to optimize the available space without compromising the overall layout and seating capacity.

How much is it to lease a Pilatus PC-12? ›

It is one of the best-selling pressurized single-engine turbine-powered aircraft worldwide. The average hourly rental rate of the Pilatus PC-12 is around 2,100 USD per hour. The average purchase price of a new Pilatus PC-12 is 4,800,000 USD.

Is the Pilatus pressurized? ›

There is plenty of room for your valuable belongings, carried in a heated and fully pressurized cabin section, which is accessible at any time during the flight. With the PC-24's best in class cargo capacity of 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg), you can bring it all.

Why did PC-12 crash? ›

The deadly Pilatus PC-12 crash in 2022 was found to be due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inflight monitoring of the of the plane's flight parameters, as well as his failure to regain control of the plane after it entered into an inadvertent aerodynamic stall.

What is the descent rate of the Pilatus PC-12? ›

In flight, that allows for a dramatically steep rate of descent at 85 KIAS.

What is the deadliest plane crash in California? ›

Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182
Accident
DateSeptember 25, 1978
SummaryMid-air collision resulting from pilot error on the Boeing 727 and ATC error
SiteNorth Park, near San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California, United States 32°44′38.2″N 117°07′13.4″W
Total fatalities144
33 more rows

How many Pilatus PC-12 have been delivered? ›

The PC-12 is successful with 2,000 deliveries made as of May 2023.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6289

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.