Executive/Corporate/Business

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Louisville - Greer

MSN:

31-7720024

YOM:

1977

Location:

Flat Rock

North Carolina

Country:

Region:

Rockwell Grand Commander 680

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

1700

Aircraft flight hours:

4077

Circumstances:

Aircraft hit northwest side of ridge in level attitude, cruise speed, heading southeast. Conditions were dark night and the cloud ceiling was about 40 feet above the ridge. Pilot received weather brief before take off and en route which reported a ceiling of 10,000 feet at destination. Aircraft was flown at 17,500 feet en route. Pilot-in-command radioed GSP approach control, said he was VFR for landing, passing 6,000 feet. Two way communication not established but discrete tx code assigned. Controller saw tx code change northwest of crash site then radar target disappeared at accident site. All five occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. (c) ifr procedure - disregarded - pilot in command
2. (c) descent - premature - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680F in Chesapeake: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 27, 1985 at 1145 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

McSweeney's Mill & Mine Service

Registration:

N100HA

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Chesapeake-Lawrence County Airpark

Schedule:

Chesapeake - Columbus

MSN:

680-1184-96

YOM:

1962

Location:

Ohio

Country:

Region:

Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

3484

Circumstances:

As near as can be determined, this was the pilot's second flight since obtaining his multi engine rating and third flight since obtaining his commercial pilot certificate from a designated p.e. The aircraft was observed to depart Lawrence County Airpark and upon reaching a point over the runway end, an engine started making a popping sound. The pilot radioed on unicom that he was having trouble with the aircraft. The aircraft climbed to an estimated 500 feet and a left turn away from the Ohio River and toward the hills was started. Witnesses observed aircraft porpoise in flight and said that at least once it sounded as if both engines quit momentarily then restarted. Then aircraft rolled into left bank and struck trees on ridgetop. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) engine assembly, other - erratic
2. (c) throttle/power control - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (f) self-induced pressure - pilot in command
4. (f) inadequate certification/approval, airman - faa(organization)
5. (c) emergency procedure - not used - pilot in command
6. (f) excessive workload (task overload) - pilot in command
7. (f) insuff standards/requirements, operation/operator - company/operator mgmt
8. (c) airspeed (vmc) - not maintained - pilot in command
9. (c) lack of total experience - pilot in command
10. (c) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
11. (f) inadequate training - pilot in command
12. (c) pressure - pilot in command
13. (c) lack of total experience - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
14. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
15. (c) propeller feathering - not identified - pilot in command
16. (f) object - tree(s)
17. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in Kennesaw: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 19, 1985 at 1116 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

HMGS

Registration:

N5473G

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Kennesaw – Saint Petersburg

MSN:

421C-0220

YOM:

1976

Location:

Kennesaw

Georgia

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

1770

Captain / Total hours on type:

450.00

Aircraft flight hours:

1700

Circumstances:

The aircraft lost power on right engine shortly after take-off. The aircraft crashed and burned in a wooded area several miles southwest of the airport. The right engine was severely damaged in the fire. No pre-impact malfunction could be documented. Examination of the propeller did not reveal damage consistent with that usually found when a propeller is in the feathered position. The flap jack screw was found in the 10-15° position. Both engines had a history of shut down at low power settings during taxi. The right engine had 'burbled' during the previous flight and the left engine shut down after landing.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - improper - pilot in command
2. (c) miscellaneous - undetermined
3. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
4. (c) remedial action - not performed - pilot in command
5. (c) propeller feathering - not used - pilot in command
6. (c) lack of total experience in type of aircraft - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
7. Object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - emergency

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26 Marquise in Southbridge

Date & Time: Jul 11, 1985 at 1700 LT

Type of aircraft:

Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise

Operator:

Registration:

N727MA

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Manchester - Southbridge

MSN:

342

YOM:

1976

Location:

Southbridge

Massachusetts

Country:

Region:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

6615

Captain / Total hours on type:

1006.00

Aircraft flight hours:

26958

Circumstances:

During landing the aircraft impacted hard and skidded down the runway before it went off the left side of the runway. The left main wheel separated and the nose gear collapsed. Both pilots stated the landing approach was normal until the aircraft was approximately 15 feet above the runway at which time the aircraft abruptly descended and impacted hard with the runway. Prior to the impact, the aircraft was configured with 20° of flaps and landing gear was down and locked. The airspeed was 105 knots. Examination of the aircraft disclosed that the aft main gear doors were open and the nose down lock limit switch was defective. The switch is required to close the aft main gear door. The flight test by the mfg determined that opened aft main gear door has none to unnoticeable effect on stall speed. Aircraft speed at touchdown based on computations from prop slash marks was 86 knots. The stall speed of aircraft at prevailing weight and flaps configuration is below this speed, the aircraft weight was approximately 9,000 lbs.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. (c) proper descent rate - exceeded
----------
Occurrence #2: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
3. (c) level off - not possible - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
4. Landing gear, main gear - overload
5. Landing gear, nose gear - overload

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-1-DL in King Salmon

Date & Time: Jun 30, 1985 at 1200 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N168Z

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Homer - King Salmon

MSN:

20850

YOM:

1944

Location:

King Salmon

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4250

Captain / Total hours on type:

1125.00

Aircraft flight hours:

18000

Circumstances:

During an instrument approach, the aircraft's right engine lost power. The pilot moved the right fuel selector to the left main tank and began emergency procedures. Shortly after that, the aircraft broke out of the overcast and the aircrew saw the airport. However, the left engine also lost power. The captain noted the fuel pressure was dropping and elected to land on tundra beside a road. During the landing, the aircraft was substantially damaged. No fuel was found in the aircraft during an exam of the fuel system. The captain noted that the left fuel cap was missing after the accident, but he did not see any fuel stains on the wing.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) preflight planning/preparation - improper - pilot in command
2. Fuel system, cap - separation
3. (f) fluid, fuel - siphoning
4. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
5. (c) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing

Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-44 Widgeon in Dillingham

Date & Time: Jun 20, 1985 at 1045 LT

Type of aircraft:

Grumman G-44 Widgeon

Operator:

Bergt Corporation

Registration:

N176MS

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Schedule:

Anchorage - Dillingham

MSN:

1324

YOM:

1943

Location:

Dillingham

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Swearingen SA26T Merlin II

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

13000

Captain / Total hours on type:

400.00

Aircraft flight hours:

6830

Circumstances:

The amphibious aircraft crashed as the pilot was landing on glassy water at the inlet of Nerka Lake. Subsequently, it sank and came to rest inverted in clear water on the bottom of wood river with the gear retracted and the flaps extended. Moderate rain was falling when the pilot was landing. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - rain
2. (f) terrain condition - water,glassy
3. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
4. (c) flare - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: nose over
Phase of operation: landing

Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA26AT Merlin IIB in Rocksprings: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 19, 1985 at 1510 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N199TA

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Del Rio - McGregory

MSN:

T26-110

YOM:

1968

Location:

Rocksprings

Texas

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4843

Captain / Total hours on type:

66.00

Circumstances:

As the aircraft was climbing thru 14,800 feet for 19,000 feet, the pilot reported a rapid decompression. Two minutes later, he reported that he has lost the tail. Aircraft impacted in an inverted flat spin and the tail and a section of empennage were found about 3/4 mile away from main wreckage. Investigation revealed that a skin seam had split open along a 54' span in an area where 2 pieces of 'l' shaped channel had been riveted together to form a stringer. Normally the stringer would be made using a single piece of 't' shaped channel. The non-standard stringer had been fabricated during repairs made on the aircraft following a gear up landing 7 years prior to this accident. Analysis revealed that the rivets holding the 'l' channels together and failed in fatigue due to tensile cyclic loading whenever the aircraft was pressurized. Aircraft had a history of pressurization problems following the repair that was not properly performed or inspected. The pi1lot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: decompression
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) fuselage - decompression
2. (c) fuselage, skin - separation
3. (c) fuselage, stringer - fatigue
4. (c) maintenance, major repair - improper - other maintenance personnel
5. (f) facility, inadequate design (standard/requirement) - other maintenance personnel
6. (c) fuselage, stringer - previous damage
7. (c) maintenance, inspection - not performed - other maintenance personnel
8. (f) facility, inadequate design (standard/requirement) - faa (other/organization)
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
9. (c) fuselage - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Bailey: 8 killed

Date & Time: Jun 17, 1985 at 1715 LT

Type of aircraft:

Cessna 402

Operator:

Nielson Leasing

Registration:

N100HK

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Broomfield - Monte Vista

MSN:

402B-0409

YOM:

1973

Location:

Bailey

Colorado

Country:

Region:

William M. Wrigley Company

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3000

Circumstances:

Ground witnesses observed the aircraft enter low clouds going south, then emerge from clouds going went. Aircraft collided with mountain in wings-level and powered attitude. Mountains were reported to be obscured by clouds and fog. All eight occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - clouds
2. (c) flight into known adverse weather - initiated - pilot in command
3. (f) weather condition - obscuration
4. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
5. (f) weather condition - fog
6. (c) vfr flight into imc - continued - pilot in command
7. (c) clearance - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
8. (f) object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
9. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

Final Report:

Crash of a Dassault Falcon 50 in Lake Geneva

Date & Time: May 12, 1985 at 1700 LT

Type of aircraft:

Dassault Falcon 50

Operator:

Registration:

N1181G

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Chicago - Lake Geneva

MSN:

YOM:

1981

Location:

Lake Geneva

Wisconsin

Country:

Region: