Crash of a Beechcraft Beechjet 400 in Bucharest

Date & Time: Dec 18, 1991 at 1300 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N3123T
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Marseille - Bucharest
MSN:
RJ-23
YOM:
1987
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The approach to Bucharest-Otopeni Airport was completed in poor weather conditions with a visibility reduced to 100 metres in fog. The aircraft landed slightly to the right of the runway 26L centerline, causing the right wing to struck a 60 cm high snow wall. The aircraft went out of control and eventually collided with an observation tower. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The approach was continued and the landing was completed in below minima weather conditions. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure.

Crash of a Beechcraft Beechjet 400 on Mt Lavender: 9 killed

Date & Time: Dec 11, 1991 at 0941 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N25BR
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Rome - Huntsville
MSN:
RJ-57
YOM:
1989
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Captain / Total flying hours:
17000
Captain / Total hours on type:
600.00
Circumstances:
Before takeoff, an IFR flight plan was filed for a 15 minutes flight from Rome, GA, to Huntsville, AL. Takeoff was commenced at 0937 est with the copilot flying the aircraft. After a VFR takeoff, the captain contacted Atlanta Center to obtain an IFR clearance. The controller advised that other traffic was in the area and instructed the flight to remain VFR (while an IFR clearance was being arranged). At that time, the flight reported at 1,300 feet in VFR conditions. While waiting for an IFR clearance, the crew became concerned about higher terrain and low ceilings. At about 0940, the captain directed the copilot to fly 'back to the right.' Approximately one minute later, the CVR stopped recording and radio contact was lost with the aircraft. Later, the aircraft was found where it had collided with the top of Mt Lavender. Elevation of the crash site was approximately 1,580 feet msl. The aircraft was not equipped with a ground proximity warning system. All nine occupants were killed, among them Angelo J. Bruno, the chairman of Bruno's Inc. company; his brother, Lee J. Bruno, vice chairman; Sam A. Vacarella, senior vice president for merchandising; Edward C. Hyde, vice president for store operations, and R. Randolph Page Jr., vice president for personnel.
Probable cause:
The captain's decision to initiate visual flight into an area of known mountainous terrain and low ceilings and the failure of the flightcrew to maintain awareness of their proximity to the terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft Beechjet 400 in Parma

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1991
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
I-ALSU
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
RK-011
YOM:
1990
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Parma Airport, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed 400 metres short of runway. Both pilots were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. At the time of the accident, the visibility was below minimums and the aircraft descended below the MDA until ground impact.