Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-30 Marquise off Pago Pago: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 22, 1981 at 1546 LT
Type of aircraft:
Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise
Operator:
Dick Sawyer International
Registration:
N109TW
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Honolulu - Pago Pago
MSN:
543
YOM:
1971
Location:
Pago Pago
All American Samoa
Country:
American Samoa
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
While approaching Pago Pago on a flight from Honolulu, the pilot reported problems with fuel transfer. Shortly later, the airplane crashed into the ocean about 40-45 miles north of Pago Pago. The aircraft sank and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure or malfunction and subsequent ditching due to fuel starvation for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fuel starvation,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- Forced landing off airport on water.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 425 Conquest in Natchez: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 18, 1981 at 0445 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 425 Conquest
Operator:
Synergistic Flights
Registration:
N425AC
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Paragould - Natchez
MSN:
425-0009
YOM:
1981
Location:
Natchez-Adams County (Hardy Ander Field)
Mississippi
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
12182
Captain / Total hours on type:
56.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Natchez-Hardy Ander Field Airport, the pilot encountered limited visibility due to low ceiling, fog and night. Following an incorrect altimeter setting, the twin engine airplane descended too low until it struck the ground and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to follow approved procedures,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Incorrect altimeter setting,
- Visibility 1/4 mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Altimeter setting at FSS 30.03 inches and 30.20 in aircraft,
- Crashed approximately 200 feet to the right of the localizer centerline,
- No flight plan filed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Skywagon near Skwentna: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 6, 1981 at 1305 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Registration:
N91083
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Galena - Anchorage
MSN:
207-0064
YOM:
1969
Location:
Skwentna
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3400
Captain / Total hours on type:
210.00
Circumstances:
On a flight from Galena to Anchorage, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. While flying in whiteout conditions with snow falls, the single engine airplane struck the ground and crashed, killing both occupants.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground in normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight in adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to follow approved procedures,
- Snow,
- Whiteout conditions,
- Weather slightly worse than forecast,
- Operator cautioned pilot against using mystic pass,
- Drug screen positive for cannabinoids and acetaminophen.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 in Biloxi

Date & Time: Oct 16, 1981 at 1400 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Aero Commander 520
Operator:
Charles R. Killian
Registration:
N2605B
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Pensacola - Baton Rouge
MSN:
520-117
YOM:
1953
Location:
Biloxi
Mississippi
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1496
Captain / Total hours on type:
507.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was completing a ferry flight from Pensacola to Baton Rouge. While in cruising altitude, he contacted ATC and reported an engine fire. Cleared to descend, he attempted an emergency landing in a field but on touchdown, the airplane crash landed as the landing gear were not fully extended. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Wheels-up landing and fire on ground due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Powerplant - fuel systems: tanks improperly installed,
- Leak/leakage, fire in wing,
- Suspected mechanical discrepancy,
- Fumes in cabin,
- Fuel leak during first flight after fuel cell repair,
- Engine shutdown, fire after touchdown.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S in Healy

Date & Time: Aug 12, 1981 at 1000 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Shrike Commander 500
Operator:
Registration:
N5075E
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Healy - Anchorage
MSN:
500-1855-37
YOM:
1968
Location:
Healy
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5500
Captain / Total hours on type:
58.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Healy, while climbing, the pilot lost control of the airplane that struck trees and crashed near the airport. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Wind gusting 20 knots at airport,
- Wind variable and gusting 50 knots approximately 1,5 mile either side of airport.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401 in Albuquerque: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 22, 1981 at 1230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 401
Operator:
Mid Eastern Airways
Registration:
N441RS
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Albuquerque - Santa Rosa - Chesapeake
MSN:
401-0027
YOM:
1967
Location:
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
6650
Captain / Total hours on type:
1020.00
Circumstances:
Immediately after takeoff from Albuquerque Airport, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed near the runway end, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb after the pilot misunderstood orders or instructions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot selected the wrong runway relative to existing wind,
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- High density altitude, about 9,000 feet,
- The pilot thought ferry permit prohibited use of longer runway due to populated area,
- Uphill gradient.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 411 in Columbus: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 9, 1981 at 2156 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 411
Operator:
Registration:
N7007R
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
City
Schedule:
Ozark - Augusta
MSN:
411-0047
YOM:
1965
Location:
Columbus
Georgia
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
25
Circumstances:
While cruising by night on a flight from Ozark, Alabama, to Augusta, Georgia, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in a residential area, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. There were no casualties on ground.
Probable cause:
Loss of control after unqualified person operated the aircraft. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failure of the electrical system,
- The pilot attempted operation beyond experience/ability level,
- The pilot diverted attention from operation of aircraft,
- The pilot failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Battery weak,
- Alternators off during GPU start,
- Emergency gear handle extended, observed without light,
- Dark night.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-3-209A in West Deering

Date & Time: Jun 24, 1981 at 0850 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-3
Operator:
Nathaniel Hawthorne College
Registration:
N18949
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
West Deering – Melbourne
MSN:
2013
YOM:
1937
Location:
West Deering-Hawthorne-Feather Airpark
New Hampshire
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Aircraft flight hours:
85591
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from West Deering-Hawthorne-Feather Airpark, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height and rolled left and right. It struck trees, stalled and crashed in a wooded area, bursting into flames. Both crew members were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb after the crew failed to obtain flying speed. Witnesses stated that the aircraft lifted off approximately 1,700 feet from start in a three point attitude.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair C-131E Samaritan in Dillingham

Date & Time: Jun 4, 1981 at 1617 LT
Type of aircraft:
Convair C-131 Samaritan
Operator:
Command Aviation
Registration:
N121CA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Dillingham - Anchorage
MSN:
342
YOM:
1956
Location:
Dillingham
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9500
Captain / Total hours on type:
630.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Dillingham Airport, while on a company ferry flight to Anchorage, the right engine surged at meto power and the crew was forced to shut it down. The decision to return was taken and the crew followed a circuit pattern then started the descent. On final approach, the airplane descended into trees and crashed in a wooded area located few hundred yards short of runway 01. The aircraft was destroyed while all three occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Engine malfunction during initial climb after exhaust stacks failed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Leak,
- Power indicators failure,
- Governors malfunction,
- Overheated, erratic,
- The pilot-in-command failed to follow approved procedures,
- Right engine fire warning light during takeoff,
- Engine surged at meto power,
- Exhaust stack broken,
- Bmep conduit overheated.
Final Report:

Crash of a Noorduyn Norseman in Libau

Date & Time: May 14, 1981
Type of aircraft:
Noorduyn Norseman
Operator:
Registration:
CF-GJN
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Libau - Selkirk
MSN:
797
YOM:
1945
Location:
Libau
Manitoba
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft was being flown on a ferry permit to Selkirk, Manitoba for CofA renewal. The engine failed shortly after takeoff near Libau and the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a fallow field. Floats struck an elevated road on approach and the float brackets failed. The aircraft came to rest on it’s right wing and left float. The pilot, sole on board, was uninjured.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the engine failure was the consequence of a fuel starvation due to a blockage caused by corrosion in the fuel selector valve. Inspection revealed numerous discrepancies which rendered the aircraft unfit for flight.
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