Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 in Tha Tham Bleung: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jul 25, 1972 at 1050 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5662
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Vientiane - Vientiane
MSN:
326
YOM:
1971
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
14258
Captain / Total hours on type:
480.00
Circumstances:
The airplane was engaged in a supply mission out from Vientiane-Wattay Airport, carrying two passengers, two crew and a load of 2,780 pounds of food. While approaching the drop zone and flying below the cloud base, the pilot-in-command initiated a steep turn to the left when the airplane stalled and crashed. A passenger survived while three other occupants were killed. It is believed that the aircraft's speed was too low during the last turn, causing it to stall and to crash.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 on Mt Lille Tussen: 17 killed

Date & Time: Jul 11, 1972 at 1543 LT
Operator:
Registration:
67-056
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Bardufoss - Stokmarknes - Bodø
MSN:
56
YOM:
1967
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
15
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
17
Circumstances:
Prior to departure from Bardufoss to Stokmarknes, the crew was informed about the poor weather conditions en route and the captain was instructed to continue directly to Bodø. Despite these instructions, he decided after takeoff to fly to Stokmarknes. While in cruising altitude, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds, fog and rain falls when the airplane struck the slope of Mt Lille Tussen (800 meters high) located on the Grytøya Island, about 75 km northeast of the Stokmarknes-Skagen Airport. The wreckage was found 20 meters below the summit and all 17 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain that occurred in poor weather conditions consisting of low clouds, fog and rain falls. For unknown reason, the captain decided to fly to Stokmarknes despite the instructions received prior to departure. It was determined that the night before the flight, the captain had a party and failed to observe sufficient rest time. It was also reported that the captain's blood showed an alcohol concentration estimated between 1 and 1,5‰.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 near Appleton: 8 killed

Date & Time: Jun 29, 1972 at 1037 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N4043B
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chicago - Sheboygan - Appleton
MSN:
13
YOM:
1966
Flight number:
ZW671
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
6556
Captain / Total hours on type:
3412.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4309
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1685
Aircraft flight hours:
15664
Circumstances:
Following a uneventful flight from Sheboygan, the crew started the descent to Appleton Airport in relative good weather conditions when, at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the Twin Otter collided with a North Central Airlines Convair CV-580 registered N90858. En route from Green Bay to Oshkosh, the Convair was carrying two passengers and three crew members. At the time of the accident, both airplanes were flying under VFR in an uncontrolled airspace. Following the collision, both aircraft crashed into Lake Winnebago, some five miles southeast of Appleton Airport. Debris were found floating on water, both airplanes were totally destroyed and all 13 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of both flight crews to detect visually the other aircraft in sufficient time to initiate evasive action. the Board is unable to determine why each crew failed to see and avoid the other aircraft; however, the Board believes that the ability of both crews to detect the other aircraft in time to avoid a collision was reduced because of the atmospheric conditions and human visual limitations.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 on Helgoland Island: 8 killed

Date & Time: May 27, 1972 at 1510 LT
Operator:
Registration:
D-IDHC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Helgoland - Wangerooge
MSN:
31
YOM:
1967
Flight number:
GQ005
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Düne Airport on Helgoland Island, while climbing to a height of 60 meters, the airplane banked left and crashed 200 meters to the left of the runway. Both pilots and six passengers were killed while five other occupants were injured.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 in La Crosse

Date & Time: Nov 9, 1970 at 1608 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N956SM
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Minneapolis – La Crosse – Chicago
MSN:
203
YOM:
1969
Flight number:
XV106
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2350
Captain / Total hours on type:
920.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2277
Copilot / Total hours on type:
577
Circumstances:
While executing a non precision instrument approach to La Crosse Airport in marginal weather conditions, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck tree trops and crashed 4,000 feet short of runway 13 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and there was no fire. All six occupants were seriously injured. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were considered as poor with indefinite ceiling, 500 feet obscuration, visibility half a mile, light drizzle and fog.
Probable cause:
For reasons unknown, the captain failed to maintain altitude at minimum descent altitude and allowed the aircraft to descend below the height of the trees while executing a non precision instrument approach in instrument flight conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 in Kainantu: 8 killed

Date & Time: Apr 28, 1970 at 0912 LT
Operator:
Registration:
VH-TGR
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mount Hagen – Goroka – Kainantu
MSN:
6
YOM:
1966
Flight number:
TN1369
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Aircraft flight hours:
3905
Aircraft flight cycles:
6795
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Goroka at 0852LT and continued to Kainantu at an altitude of 7,500 feet. While approaching the destination, weather conditions deteriorated and the visibility was limited due to low clouds. The captain decided to continue and started the approach when the airplane struck a tree and crashed 5 km from the airfield. Both pilots and six passengers were killed while three others were injured.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of the accident was that the pilot persisted with such determination or confidence in his attempts to reach his destination in the face of deteriorating weather conditions, that he did not ensure he could safely discontinue the approach at any time and still maintain visual reference to the significant terrain.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 in Jomsom: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 27, 1970
Operator:
Registration:
9N-RF9
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Jomsom - Kathmandu
MSN:
102
YOM:
1968
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances while taking off from Jomsom Airport. A passenger was killed.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 off Groton: 5 killed

Date & Time: Feb 10, 1970 at 1837 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N124PM
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Groton - New York
MSN:
41
YOM:
1967
Flight number:
PM203
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
6335
Captain / Total hours on type:
2180.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
991
Copilot / Total hours on type:
669
Aircraft flight hours:
5817
Circumstances:
Pilgrim Flight 203 departed from Groton about 16:21, approximately 15 minutes behind schedule primarily because of ground delays encountered on previous flights which used the aircraft. Shortly after takeoff, Flight 203 reported on course and was instructed to contact the New York Center. Communications were established at 16:27 and the Center cleared the flight to Deer Park via its flight plan route to cross Saybrook at 4,000 feet, and then to climb and maintain 6,000 feet. At 16:33, the New York Center controller recleared the flight to Deer Park, to climb to 9,000 feet, and issued it holding instructions at Deer Park. About 2 minutes later, the controller advised that 7,000 feet was open for the flight, with the possibility of no holding, and he cleared it back to 7,000 feet. The flight reported at 7,000 immediately thereafter. About 16:36, the controller told Pilgrim 203 that if holding were necessary, its expected approach clearance time was 17.06. At 16:47 the crew contacted Kennedy Approach Control and they reported holding at Deer Park at 7,000 feet. About this time, the weather conditions at the Kennedy Airport deteriorated, and some flights which were then making instrument approaches to runway 13L began missing their approaches. Because of this, instrument approaches were changed to runway 22R, which had a better RVR. At 16:55, in connection with the runway change, Pilgrim 203 was recleared to hold in the Medford holding pattern. At 1709, Pilgrim 203 was given an expected approach clearance time of 17:46, which the flight acknowledged. At 17:39, the Kennedy approach controller cleared Pilgrim Flight 203 to descend to 6,000 feet. At 17:42, the crew of Pilgrim 203 radioed: "Pilgrim 203 request New Haven if we can get there, expedite." At 17:48, the flight was cleared to descend to 4,000 feet, and at 1750, it was cleared to Pond Point, which is the final approach fix from which VOR instrument approaches are made to New Haven-Tweed Airport. During the next minute, Pilgrim Flight 203 contacted Westchester Approach Control and asked for the latest Tweed weather. It was advised that the weather was: Scattered clouds 200 feet, estimated ceiling 500 feet broken, 700 feet overcast; visibility 2 miles, rain and fog; altimeter 29.46: wind variable 120° to 040° at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. At 17:53, the Westchester approach controller instructed Flight 203, "Upon reaching Pond Point hold southwest on the 205 radial, right turns, EAC 1815." Two minutes later the controller checked the position of the flight and, finding it was suitable for descent, cleared the flight to descend to 3,000 feet. At 17:57, the flight reported at Pond Point and asked if holding were still necessary. The controller advised that it was and repeated the holding instruction. At 18:12, the Westchester approach controller called Flight 203 and advised that, based on a report from the Cessna pilot who just landed, the airport was below minimums. He advised the weather was: Aircraft ceiling 200 feet broken, 500 feet, overcast: visibility 2 miles. He then asked the pilot his intentions. About 18:13, after asking for and being given the Bridgeport weather, which was lower than New Haven, the flight advised it would make the approach. The flight was cleared for the approach and instructed to contact New Haven Tower. This was done, and, at 1814, the flight advised New Haven it was inbound from Pond Point. The controller acknowledged, cleared the flight to land, and repeated the surface wind as variable 120° to 060°, 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Shortly before 18:17, Flight 203 reported to New Haven it had missed its approach. The tower controller immediately cleared the flight to the Madison VOR at 2,000 feet and instructed it to contact Westchester Approach Control. At 18:17, the flight asked for the Groton weather. The controller then gave the flight the Groton weather as: Measured ceiling 300 feet overcast; visibility 1-1/2 miles, moderate rain and fog; wind 100° at 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots; altimeter 29.50. At 18:19, the crew told the controller, "Westchester, we’d like to ah get direct Groton right now." Within the same minute, the controller advised he was getting the clearance. The flight repeated that it had to get direct to Groton and the controller replied he had to coordinate (with New York Center). At 18:20, Flight 203 advised the Westchester controller, "Ah Westchester, 203 ah we got minimum fuel now, we gotta get to Groton." About 18:21, the controller cleared the flight to the Groton VOR via Victor Airway 126 and climb and maintain 3,000 feet. The flight reported it was level at 3,000 feet and asked to be cleared for an approach to Groton direct from Saybrook. The controller advised the flight to contact Quonset Approach Control. At 18:22, Flight 203 called Bradley FSS and advised it could not contact Quonset Approach Control, it was low on fuel, and wanted clearance for an instrument approach direct to Groton from Saybrook. On request, Quonset Approach Control gave this clearance to Bradley FSS and, at 18:23, the latter delivered it to the flight. About 18:24, the captain of Flight 203 called his company radio and said, "We’re coming home with this... pile of junk. We ain’t got any equipment working." He then asked to talk to the chief pilot. The captain asked initially for the Groton weather which was ceiling 300 feet, overcast; visibility 1-1/2 miles, rain and fog Later, he was advised that the ceiling had lowered to 200 feet. The captain said that Kennedy would not accept him because the aircraft transponder was not working. He said he was inbound to Groton on the 270 degree radial of the Groton VOR, flying about 100 feet above the water, and he could see the shoreline. Asked how much fuel he had remaining, the captain answered "none," and added, in essence, that fuel exhaustion could occur at anytime. Shortly thereafter, he radioed that he had lost one engine and was going to try to reach the shore. He then said he had just lost the other engine, could not make the shore, and was going into the water off Harkness Point. This was the last transmission from the aircraft.
Probable cause:
Fuel exhaustion resulting from inadequate flight preparation and erroneous in-flight decisions by the pilot-in-command.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 on Mt Puelo Alto

Date & Time: Sep 14, 1969
Operator:
Registration:
942
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Puerto Montt – Segundo Corral
MSN:
33
YOM:
1967
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
18
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
En route to Segundo Corral, the twin engine aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located on the slope of Mt Puelo Alto. All 21 occupants were rescued few hours later and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 100 in Sagwon: 2 killed

Date & Time: Sep 6, 1969 at 0135 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N2711N
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fairbanks - Sagwon
MSN:
38
YOM:
1967
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2136
Captain / Total hours on type:
236.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Sagwon on a cargo flight from Fairbanks, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds. While descending to a height of 175 feet, the aircraft struck the ground in an approximately 30° bank near level pitch attitude and crashed. Both crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Improper IFR operation on behalf of the crew which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with ground. The following factors were considered as contributing:
- Low ceiling,
- Weather considerably worse than forecast.
Final Report: