| - | ACCIDENT DETAILS |
| Date: | April 04, 1991 |
| Time: | 1210 |
| Location: | Marion, Pennsylvania |
| Operator: | Private |
| Flight #: | ? |
| Route: | Williamsport, PA - Philadelphia, PA |
| AC Type: | Piper Aerostar 601 / Bell 412SP |
| Registration: | N3645D / N78S |
| cn / ln: | 6108448162153/0151 |
| Aboard: | 5 (passengers:4 crew:1) |
| Fatalities: | 5 (passengers:4 crew:1) |
| Ground: | 2 |
| Summary: | When the plane's nose gear indicator light did not illuminate a helicopter was dispatched to verify the nose gear was down. While making the inspection, the helicopter's blades accidentally hit the bottom of the plane sending both aircraft into the ground, killing all aboard both aircraft. Pennsylvania Senator H. John Heinz III was killed in the crash along with two children playing outside an elementary school. Two killed aboard the Bell and 3 aboard the Piper. The poor judgment by the captain of the airplane to permit the in-flight inspection after he had determined to the best of his ability that the nose landing gear was fully extended. The poor judgment of the captain of the helicopter to conduct the inspection and the failure of the flight crew of the helicopter to maintain safe separation. |
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