Crash of a Cessna 402B in Laredo: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1981 at 2145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N69321
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Corpus Christi - Laredo
MSN:
402B-0436
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2500
Captain / Total hours on type:
57.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Laredo Airport runway 32 by night, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck the ground and crashed three miles southeast of the airport. The airplane was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility one mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 700 in Palacios

Date & Time: Jan 26, 1981 at 1640 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N703SA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Palacios - Houston
MSN:
700-31
YOM:
1980
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3034
Captain / Total hours on type:
410.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Palacios Airport, while climbing, both engines lost power. The pilot was cleared to return for an emergency landing and initiated a turn. While flying at low height, the twin engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in a field. All four occupants were slightly injured.
Probable cause:
Partial loss of power on both engines due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improperly serviced aircraft by ground crew,
- Improper fuel-grade,
- High obstructions (power cables),
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Aircraft serviced with Jet A fuel.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 Marquise near Port Aransas

Date & Time: Nov 30, 1980 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N44MR
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Brownsville - Atlanta
MSN:
611
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10500
Captain / Total hours on type:
625.00
Circumstances:
While in normal cruise from Brownsville to Atlanta, the pilot reported engine problems. He elected to divert to the nearest airport but was eventually forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft belly landed on soft ground and came to rest. All seven occupants were rescued, among them five were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Propeller blades failure in flight due to corrosion. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fatigue fracture,
- Engine structure: mount and vibration isolators,
- Overload failure,
- Wet and soft ground,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Wind gusting to 24 knots,
- Propeller blade failed due to fatigue,
- Originating at stress corrosion crack.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-7B in Pecos: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 28, 1980 at 2135 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N816D
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
45085/714
YOM:
1956
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Following a night takeoff from Pecos Municipal Airport, during initial climb, the crew initiated a left turn when the airplane banked left, stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Complete engine failure,
- N°2 propeller found feathered.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 in Dell City: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 21, 1980 at 1930 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N2659B
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
560-0159
YOM:
1954
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
400
Circumstances:
While cruising by night in marginal weather conditions, the crew lost control of the airplane after suffering a spatial disorientation. The twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent then suffered an airframe failure and eventually crashed in an open field near Dell City. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure in flight and subsequent uncontrolled descent after the crew attempted operation beyond experience. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation,
- The pilot-in-command exceeded designed stress limits of aircraft,
- The pilot-in-command continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions,
- Airframe - wings spars,
- Overload failure,
- Low ceiling,
- Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain,
- Separation in flight,
- Aircraft observed starting pull-up after coming out of overcast at night,
- Left wing failed upward.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air in Mission

Date & Time: Sep 13, 1980 at 2200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N817G
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
LC-31
YOM:
1960
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot was completing a drug smuggling flight and elected to land by night and a farm road located in Mission, Texas, when the airplane struck a van and crashed. It was later deliberately set on fire and the pilot was not found.
Probable cause:
Collision with van upon landing on a farm road after the pilot selected an unsuitable terrain. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot exercised poor judgement,
- Evidence of marijuana on board,
- Injury index presumed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C-45G Expeditor in Abilene

Date & Time: Sep 8, 1980 at 0154 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N315WN
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Abilene - Midland
MSN:
AF-216
YOM:
1952
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1589
Captain / Total hours on type:
391.00
Circumstances:
During a night takeoff roll at Abilene Airport in poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that ground looped. The airplane lost its undercarriage and came to a halt on its belly. The pilot, sole on board, was slightly injured.
Probable cause:
Ground loop, swerved on takeoff due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airport conditions: wet runway,
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Overload failure,
- Wind gusting 20 knots.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FLP near Iola: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 25, 1980 at 1310 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6515V
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
680-1599-25
YOM:
1966
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft has been stolen in an airport and used for marijuana transportation. En route, one of the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a prairie near Iola, Texas. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground following an engine failure in flight due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Stolen aircraft,
- Complete failure one engine,
- Owner reported aircraft stolen,
- 935 lbs of marijuana found in aircraft,
- CofG approximately 5 inches behind aft limit.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 25B near Conlon: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 11, 1980 at 1719 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N25TA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Vernal - Houston
MSN:
25-196
YOM:
1975
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
7800
Captain / Total hours on type:
1000.00
Circumstances:
While cruising at an altitude of 41,200 feet, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent following an airframe failure in flight. The airplane crashed in an open field and was totally destroyed. Both pilots who were completing a ferry flight from Vernal to Houston were killed.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure in flight, separation in flight and subsequent uncontrolled descent for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Houston: 7 killed

Date & Time: Mar 21, 1980 at 1949 LT
Registration:
N59932
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Houston - Brownwood
MSN:
31-7552046
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
4313
Captain / Total hours on type:
813.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3250
Aircraft flight hours:
5545
Circumstances:
The flight from William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas, to Brownwood, Texas, was scheduled to depart Hobby Airport at 1915. Two intermediate stops were scheduled. It was operating behind schedule because of delays in the first three flights of the day which were flown by the same captain who was readying Flight 108. The aircraft had been on the ground for 31 minutes between the time it landed and the time it taxied for takeoff. Two crewmembers and eight passengers were on board Flight 108. At 1941, the ground controller cleared Flight 108 to taxi to runway 22. At 1943:40 the captain reported that Flight 108 was ''ready to go on 22," and at 1945:10 transmitted "Eagle Air 108 is No. 1 for 22." At 1945:55, Flight 108 was cleared to taxi into position and to hold on runway 22. A pilot of an aircraft in the runup area adjacent to runway 22 stated that Flight 108 did not use the runup area, nor did he see the crew conduct an engine runup while awaiting takeoff clearance. At 1947:50, Flight 108 was cleared for takeoff, and at 1948:35, the tower air traffic controller inquired if Flight 108 would be making a right turn away from the airport. Flight 108 responded, "Eagle 108 just lost the right engine." The controller stated that when this transmission was made the aircraft was about 4,300 ft from the start of its takeoff roll and about 100 ft above the runway. A pilot witness on the ground stated that the aircraft was between 100 and 200 ft above the runway when the crew reported the loss of the right engine. An Eagle Airlines employee identified the person who made the transmission as a company employee--a pilot-in-command trainee who was in the copilot seat. The aircraft maintained runway heading for about 10 sec more before it began a right turn and a shallow descent. The rate of turn, the angle of bank to the right, and the rate of descent continued to increase as the aircraft turned 90° away from the runway heading. The angle of bank also increased as the aircraft descended, but the crew managed to level the wings just before impact. A passenger who was seated two seats behind the captain stated that when the aircraft was about 50 ft in the air he heard an engine "sputter" which continued until impact. The aircraft dropped, veered left, then right, and down." He recalled that a crewmember said, "What's next or what do we do now." A passenger on the right side, four seats back, heard a "popping or thudding" noise after the aircraft left the runway and veered to the right. He recalled that someone said, 'What do I do?". The third survivor was seated in the left rear seat. He heard an engine go "pop-pop like a backfire." He saw the captain pull back the "left red controls and the right pilot reach and turn things." None of the survivors could tell who was flying the aircraft. The aircraft crashed on a concrete airport parking ramp in a nearly level pitch attitude, with the right wing slightly lowered, about 1,000 ft from the runway. It then slid 200 ft on the ramp and hit two aircraft, four cars, and finally a hangar. A fire broke out when the aircraft hit the cars and the hangar. The accident occurred during hours of darkness.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of the accident was a power loss in the right engine for undetermined reasons at a critical point in the takeoff phase, the aircraft's marginal single-engine performance capability, and the captain's immediate landing on the remaining runway, or to configure the aircraft properly for the engine-out incorrect emergency response to the engine power loss when he failed either to land condition.
Final Report: