NTSB: Pilot Error Caused 2009 Fatal Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board has blamed the March 2009 fatal crash of a Pilatus PC-12 in Butte, Mont., on the actions of the pilot. According to the NTSB, the pilot failed to ensure that a fuel system icing inhibitor was added when the aircraft was fueled, despite flight-manual warnings. While en route from Oroville, Calif., to Bozeman, Mont., the Pilatus developed ice in the fuel system that restricted the flow of fuel from the left tank and eventually caused the fuel system to exceed its maximum allowable imbalance. The NTSB also faulted the pilot for failing to promptly divert to a suitable airport when the aircraft warning systems indicated low fuel pressure, and for his loss of control of the left-wing-heavy airplane while on final approach. All 14 people on board--including seven children, four of whom were unrestrained or improperly belted--were killed in the crash. While the NTSB noted that the number of passengers on board exceeded the flight manual's limit of nine, it ruled that the additional four passengers did not directly affect the outcome of the accident.