Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Gold Beach

Date & Time: Sep 30, 1987 at 1435 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N32RL
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Santa Ana - Gold Beach
MSN:
BE-117
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
22266
Captain / Total hours on type:
2500.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after the aircraft touched down on the runway, the right main gear collapsed. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the situation with left rudder and braking, the aircraft veered to the right of the runway and collided with a building. Shortly after it struck the building, a fire erupted, which totally consumed the aircraft and the building. Due to the severity of the fire, the fracture surfaces of the right landing gear were obliterated.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: main gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
1. (c) landing gear, main gear - failure, total
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - on ground/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
2. Directional control - not possible
3. Ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
4. (f) object - building (nonresidential)
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Pittsfield: 6 killed

Date & Time: Dec 10, 1986 at 0945 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N65TD
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Elyria - Pittsfield
MSN:
B-50
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
7520
Captain / Total hours on type:
1500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7710
Circumstances:
During arrival for a LOC runway 26 approach, the pilot was advised the abyss fan marker was notamed out-of-service. With abyss inoperative, the minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 2200 feet. After N65TD was cleared for the approach, radar service was terminated and the flight was cleared to advisory frequency. The crew contacted unicom and obtained airport and weather advisory. The Unicom operator advised winds light and variable, estimated 800 feet overcast, visibility 5 miles, slush and ice reported on runway 1/2 hr earlier. After the crew reported 'procedure turn inbound,' no further transmissions were received from the aircraft. Subsequently, it hit trees on rising terrain at an elevation of approx 2200 feet, approx 7 miles before reaching the final approach fix (FAF, DALTON NDB). Minimum altitude for the approach in that area was 3000 feet. No preimpact part problems were found during the investigation. Airport elevation was 1194 feet. Radio transcripts indicated the crew were getting a weak signal from the DALTON NDB. Although not a required navaid, CHESTER VORTAC was depicted on the approach chart as an additional source to id the FAF, but was notamed as out-of-svc. The pilot did not obtain notams before flight.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
5. (f) terrain condition - rising
6. (f) object - tree(s)
7. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Brooksville

Date & Time: Nov 8, 1986 at 0616 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N78L
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Brooksville – Miami
MSN:
B-167
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7290
Captain / Total hours on type:
150.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5500
Circumstances:
The pilot stated that shortly after departure the cockpit filled with smoke. While returning for landing his visibility was reduced due to the smoke and ground fog. On landing roll the the aircraft ran off the left side of the runway, went through a cow fence and came to rest against a tree. A post crash fire erupted in the left wing area where a fence post punctured the wing and the aircraft was destroyed by the fire. The cause of the smoke in the cockpit could not be determined. The pilot, sole on board, escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (f) other system - smoke
2. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) light condition - night
5. (f) other system - smoke
6. (c) visual lookout - not possible - pilot in command
7. Object - fence
8. Object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Cedarville: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 2147 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N72BS
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Ridgeland – Millville
MSN:
B-113
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
17300
Captain / Total hours on type:
4000.00
Circumstances:
The two atp rated pilots were en route back to their home base airport flying on an IFR flight plan in actual instrument weather conditions. Communications with ATC controllers was normal. During a night localizer approach into Millville municipal airport, an ATC specialist observed the aircraft passing through the localizer track and issued a vector for re-interception. The aircraft was subsequently observed tracking inbound on course. The pilot reported crossing the om. This was the last transmission heard from the pilot and was routine. The aircraft crashed into a wooded area just beyond the om and was destroyed in a post impact fire. Post accident examination of the wreckage revealed evidence to indicate the left engine was producing less power than the right engine at impact. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
7. Engine assembly - failure,partial
8. (c) engine assembly - undetermined
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Midland: 8 killed

Date & Time: Nov 26, 1983 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1910L
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Midland – Fort Worth – Wichita Falls – Midland
MSN:
BE-10
YOM:
1976
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed while completing a charter flight that began at 1220 cst on 11/25/83 to transport a TV Sports film crew. The flight began at Midland, TX and proceeded to Fort Worth and Wichita Falls, TX, then began a return flight to Midland. During arrival, the pilot transmitted that he was turning on a 1/2 mile final approach for runway 16R. Witnesses observed what appeared to be a normal approach, but at 30 to 50 feet agl, the pilot initiated a go-around, the aircraft pitched up in an extremely nose high attitude, then entered a left bank, stalled and crashed. To duplicate the aircraft's observed profile, simulation tests showed full aft yoke pressure had to have been applied with full nose-up trim engaged thru-out the maneuver. No preexisting mechanical defects were found during the investigation. A test of the right front seat passenger's blood showed a blood/alcohol level of .144%. A test of the pilot's blood showed no drugs or alcohol, but a microscopic tissue exam showed changes possibly indicative of myocardial infarction; no cause of an infarction was conclusively established. All eight occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: go-around (VFR)
Findings
1. Light condition - dark night
2. Aborted landing - performed - pilot in command
3. Go-around - initiated - pilot in command
4. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: go-around (VFR)
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Vieques

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1983 at 1640 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N129D
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Christiansted - San Juan
MSN:
B-134
YOM:
1972
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7558
Captain / Total hours on type:
28.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9420
Circumstances:
The aircraft crash landed during a touch and go landing. The pilot said that the aircraft was caught in a windshear or violent downdraft and would not climb. He did not say why he was doing a touch and go landing with 9 passengers on board. The pilots account of the accident was: after touchdown I raised the flaps and set takeoff power. At 103 knots and with 500 feet of runway remaining the aircraft was lifted off. At about 150 feet agl and climbing I started to raise landing gear but the aircraft started to sink so I left gear down. The trees were moving violently. I felt I was caught in a windshear because of a sharp drop in airspeed and the aircraft quit performing. The aircraft continued sinking and I decided on a controlled crash to save the passengers. A witness stated he (the pilot) took off without enough power. I saw the plane with its nose high and tail low and I lost the plane when it went into the trees. The aircraft hit several citrus trees at a shallow angle of descent 1,200 feet from the end of the runway. The aircraft went 150 feet through the trees and 350 feet on the ground before stopping. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) object - tree(s)
2. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
3. (c) lift-off - premature - pilot in command
4. (c) distance - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) airspeed (vlof) - below - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 100 King Air in Houston

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1981 at 1540 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N999CR
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Houston - Dallas
MSN:
B-12
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2940
Captain / Total hours on type:
110.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, while in initial climb, the right engine failed. The crew initiated a right turn when the airplane lost height and crashed in a field. Both occupants were slightly injured and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Pilot continued right turn into dead engine until just before touchdown, wings never leveled.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air near lagos

Date & Time: Aug 11, 1978
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N81MD
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
B-203
YOM:
1974
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
En route, the airplane suffered a double engine failure. The pilot reduced his altitude and completed an emergency landing on a beach located 112 km southeast of Lagos. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure in flight for undetermined reasons.

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Muscle Shoals

Date & Time: Jun 22, 1978 at 0712 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N941K
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chattanooga - Muscle Shoals
MSN:
B-111
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
20834
Captain / Total hours on type:
24.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Muscle Shoals Airport, the airplane lost speed, stalled and crashed short of runway. All six occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Stall on final approach after the pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Fog,
- Poor crew coordination,
- Visibility one mile or less,
- The pilot-in-command reduced props instead of throttles.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 100 King Air in Auburn: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 27, 1977 at 0740 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N925BD
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Birmingham - Auburn
MSN:
B-4
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
15000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1500.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Auburn-Opelika-Robert G. Pitts (University Regional) Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low ceiling and fog. On final, the twin engine airplane struck trees, stalled and crashed in a wooded area located few hundred yards short of runway threshold. Two occupants were injured while a pilot was killed. It was reported that trees in area of first impact were about 73 feet below airport elevation and 650 feet below MDA.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility half a mile or less,
- Sky obscured.
Final Report: