Accidents
Spatial Disorientation Led to PC-12 In-flight Breakup
Risk assessment and oversight found insufficient
screenshot of graphic from ntsb report
© NTSB

Spatial disorientation following autopilot disengagement led to the in-flight breakup of an air ambulance Pilatus PC-12 near Stagecoach, Nevada, on Feb. 24, 2023, according to the NTSB’s final report. The pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic, and two passengers were killed.

The PC-12, N273SM, was operated by Guardian Flight under the Care Flight brand. At 9:00 p.m. local time, the non-emergency medical transport departed Reno-Tahoe International Airport (KRNO) under an IFR clearance in night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with cloud bases at 1,200 feet agl and tops at FL240. According to the report, the pilot was cleared to climb to 25,000 feet but did not reach that altitude.