Crash of a Canadair CL-601 Challenger in Milan

Date & Time: Feb 7, 1985
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N779XX
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Geneva - Milan
MSN:
3018
YOM:
1983
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Milan-Linate Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility due to foggy conditions. On short final, the radio altimeter warning sounded. The captain initiated a go-around manoeuver when the aircraft struck the ground 44 meters short of runway 36 threshold. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the aircraft slid on its belly for few dozen meters before coming to rest on the runway. All 12 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
For unknown reasons, the crew continued the approach below MDA until impact with the ground.

Crash of a Cessna 414 Chancellor in Coatesville: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985 at 1310 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1994G
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Latrobe - Coatesville
MSN:
414-0601
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
2200
Captain / Total hours on type:
49.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3695
Circumstances:
Aircraft was on its runway 29 approach when it collided with ground one mile from the airport. A witness saw he aircraft fly over the airport to the west between 500 to 1,500 feet. Witnesses near the accident site saw the aircraft making abrupt maneuvers at low altitude prior to the accident. Engine sounds was described as 'racing', 'uneven', and 'loud'. Weather condition was described as fog, low ceiling, and light rain. Another pilot in same type aircraft was unable to land due to weather. Examination of the aircraft did not disclosed evidence of malfunction. Flight approach navaid facilities flight checked to be operational. There was no evidence of pilot physical impairment or incapacitation. The aircraft collided with the ground in a near vertical attitude. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (c) aircraft handling - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402C in Troy

Date & Time: Dec 26, 1984 at 2130 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N115EA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Troy - Pikeville
MSN:
402C-0090
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
11158
Captain / Total hours on type:
2700.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1593
Circumstances:
The aircraft collided with trees during the initial takeoff climb from runway 27 at Oakland-Troy Airport, Troy, MI, while on a corporate flight. Investigation revealed that approximately 3 to 5 inches of snow had fallen at the airport during the day and the snow had not been removed from the runway that evening. A witness reported there was 5 inches of snow on the runway and it was snowing at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that 'shortly after takeoff the aircraft yawed, then veered right. Upon correcting this condition left wing struck the ground.' When the right engine was tested a small leak was discovered at the air intake manifold. The left engine was severely damaged by fire and could not be tested. All four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - turbulence
2. (c) proper climb rate - not attained - pilot in command
3. (c) overconfidence in aircraft's ability - pilot in command
4. (f) aircraft performance, takeoff capability - undetermined
5. (f) airport snow removal - not performed - airport personnel
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest in Marble Falls: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 25, 1984 at 2020 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N441CM
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Aspen - Marble Falls
MSN:
441-0169
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
9165
Captain / Total hours on type:
608.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2799
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed approximately 1.5 miles south of the departure end of runway 17 during an attempted runway 17 NDB approach. The aircraft was cleared for the approach at 2012 cst and the pilot canceled IFR reporting the airport in sight at 2014. A witness located approximately 1 mile south of the airport reported seeing the aircraft lights through the clouds, mist and fog as it was traveling south-southeast. The aircraft impacted the ground on a heading of 035° in a 10° to 15° left bank. Radar data indicates the aircraft was approximately 8 miles from the airport when IFR was canceled. Witnesses stated visibility in the area was about 1/8 of a mile during the time of the accident. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
4. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
5. (f) missed approach - not performed - pilot in command
6. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690A in Pea Ridge: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 20, 1984 at 1920 LT
Registration:
N9229Y
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - Pea Ridge
MSN:
690-11122
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4900
Aircraft flight hours:
2857
Circumstances:
Pilot was cleared for VOR/DME approach to Rogers airport by Fayetteville approach control; Fayetteville altimeter setting of 29.85 (confirmed by recorded transcript) furnished. Pilot did not read back. During approach, aircraft impacted trees 25 feet agl at approximately 1,320 feet msl, 3 miles short of airport. Investigation showed pilot's altimeter set at 30.14 (altimeter would read 290 feet higher than aircraft actual altitude). Pilots's recall was that the 30.14 setting was furnished by approach control. Pilot further stated last recalled altitude reading was 1,750 feet. Approach plate shows 1,700 feet mda with Rogers altimeter setting; increase mda by 100 feet if using Fayetteville setting. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) air/ground communications - inattentive - pilot in command
2. (f) complacency - pilot in command
3. (f) altimeter setting - inaccurate - pilot in command
4. (f) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
5. (c) minimum descent altitude - below - pilot in command
6. (f) terrain condition - high vegetation
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) near Genoa: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 13, 1984 at 0200 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N9781Q
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Phoenix - Carson City
MSN:
61-0409-145
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
6100
Captain / Total hours on type:
2000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1788
Circumstances:
The pilot had flown from Carson City, NV to Shreveport, LA on 12/10/84 for business. At 1530 on 12/12/84, he departed on a flight to Corona, CA with refueling stops at Albuquerque, NM and Phoenix, AZ. He departed Phoenix at 2100, but encountered weather and returned to Phoenix where he refueled again and obtained a lengthy weather briefing. He then elected to return to his home airport at Carson City and took off at 2351. When the aircraft did not arrive, a search was initiated. Radar data revealed an unidentified target that disappeared near Genoa, NV. During a search in that area, the wreckage was found where the aircraft had crashed near the top of a mountain about 5 miles north of the pilot's home. The elevation was approximately 9,050 feet. Impact occurred on a westerly heading, about 2 hours before moonset, on the shaded side of the mountain, in a near wings level attitude. No preimpact/mechanical malfunction/failure was found, both engines/propellers showed evidence of power. The pilot's wife said he sometimes flew over their house to let her know he would be home soon. Complete autopsy/tox check not possible.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. Light condition - dark night
3. Terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
4. Proper altitude - not maintained
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 24F off Charlotte Amalie: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 10, 1984 at 1906 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N81MC
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Fort Lauderdale - Charlotte Amalie
MSN:
24-344
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
10190
Captain / Total hours on type:
3000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2643
Circumstances:
While executing a night visual approach to runway 09 in visual meteorological conditions the aircraft was allowed to descend; crashing into water 2 miles short of the runway. The pilot was not familiar with the airport and failed to make use of a full instrument landing system and visual approach slope indicating system which were operational for runway 09 at the time of the accident. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft which attributed to the accident. The aircraft was equipped with a radar altimeter system which also was not used by the pilot. The pilot performed two missed approaches because the airport was not in sight. The accident occurred during the 3rd attempt. Neither the pilot-in-command nor the copilot were properly certificated for the flight.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
2. (f) pilot in command
3. (f) planned approach - poor - pilot in command
4. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
5. (f) crew/group coordination - poor - pilot in command
6. (f) light condition - dark night
7. (c) proper glidepath - not attained - pilot in command
8. Terrain condition - water, glassy
9. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 690C Jetprop 840 in Wooster: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 31, 1984 at 1835 LT
Registration:
N2937A
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Erie - Wooster
MSN:
690-11670
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
9715
Captain / Total hours on type:
2665.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1157
Circumstances:
While on final approach to runway 09 the aircraft struck a 42 feet power pole with the right wing. The wing was torn from the aircraft. The aircraft landed inverted 400 feet east of the pole. The runway threshold lights are displaced 165 feet from the runway end for night operations. Reil lights are located at the runway end. A power line crosses the extended centerline 825 feet west of the runway end. Red obstruction lights mark the tops of the poles. On the night of the accident the obstruction lights were inoperative. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be flying lower than normal in the traffic pattern. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) proper glidepath - not maintained - pilot in command
2. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
3. (f) light condition - dark night
4. (f) object - utility pole
5. (f) wing - separation
6. (f) airport facilities, obstruction marking - not operating
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 414 Chancellor in Cheyenne

Date & Time: Oct 20, 1984 at 1338 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1597T
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cheyenne - Salt Lake City
MSN:
414-0377
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
13200
Aircraft flight hours:
18035
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed the airport in IFR conditions (snowing) and was observed staggering into the air. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft struck power lines and crashed into homes in a residential area. Investigation revealed that the aircraft had accumulated ice and in addition was over certified max gross weight. There was no evidence of airframe, flight control or engine failure/malfunction prior to impact with the power lines.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: takeoff - roll/run
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (f) weather condition - snow
3. (c) flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
4. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
5. (f) object - wire, static
6. (c) proper climb rate - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (f) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Toronto: 3 killed

Date & Time: Oct 17, 1984
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
C-GAPT
Survivors:
No
MSN:
31-7620004
YOM:
1976
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
On approach to Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport, the twin engine airplane struck the ground and crashed about 11 km short of runway threshold. All three occupants were killed.