Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise

Operator:

George E. Moore

Registration:

N184MA

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Test

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale

MSN:

218

YOM:

1972

Location:

Coral Springs

Florida

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

8400

Circumstances:

The pilot reported to ground personnel at Fort Lauderdale that he was experiencing an avionics problem and the passenger entry door was sprung the day before when it was slammed; however, the pilot elected to depart. The aircraft wreckage was located on June 19 in the Everglades near Coral Springs, Florida. The aircraft impacted in a nose low attitude. Wreckage was scattered over an area 211 feet long by 55 feet wide. Investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions/failures. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
1. (c) flight controls - improper use of - pilot in command
2. Operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-20 Marquise in Denver

Date & Time: Oct 12, 1986 at 1051 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Midway Aircraft Brokers

Registration:

N3MU

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Ferry

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Schedule:

Grand Junction – Denver – Chicago

MSN:

143

YOM:

1969

Location:

Denver-Stapleton

Colorado

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4186

Captain / Total hours on type:

38.00

Aircraft flight hours:

5780

Circumstances:

Aircraft had been repossessed and was being ferried from Grand Junction, CO, to Chicago, IL, with en route stop at Denver, CO. After takeoff from Denver, landing gear would not retract. Pilot made several attempts without success. He elected to return to Denver. Pilot said that on final approach the right engine began surging and the left engine would not increase power. Aircraft made hard landing on runway, breaking left wing. Investigation revealed both speed levers would not function because engine prop governors and underspeed fuel governor reset arms, splined onto underspeed fuel governor shafts, were positioned on opposite side of speed lever actuating arms. Landing gear functioned normally during swing tests. It was later learned that right main tire had blown on takeoff 3 days earlier and required repair. Maintenance personnel opened the landing gear circuit breakers to preclude inadvertent gear retraction. Pilot said he checked circuit breakers when gear failed to retract. Both occupants escaped uninjured.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) electrical system,circuit breaker - not engaged
2. (f) maintenance - inadequate - company maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
5. (f) landing gear - inoperative
6. Gear retraction - attempted - pilot in command
7. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - copilot/second pilot
8. (c) electrical system, circuit breaker - open
9. (f) landing gear, gear indicating system - false indication
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
10. Precautionary landing - performed - pilot in command
11. (c) checklist - not followed - pilot in command
12. (c) propeller governor control, linkage - incorrect
13. (c) maintenance - not corrected - company maintenance personnel
14. (c) maintenance, service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate - other maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #3: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
15. (c) airspeed (vref) - below - pilot in command
16. (c) diverted attention - pilot in command
17. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 Marquise in Austin: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 2, 1986 at 2142 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N8CC

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Austin - Dallas

MSN:

569

YOM:

1972

Location:

Austin

Texas

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

5268

Captain / Total hours on type:

152.00

Aircraft flight hours:

3293

Circumstances:

About 6 minutes after takeoff, at 2138:31 cdt, the pilot reported level at 9,000 feet msl. At 2140:17, he transmitted that he had trouble and said he could not control or disconnect the autopilot (a/p) which was causing the aircraft to descend. At 2141:14, he stated he was descending at 6,000 feet/min. Another company pilot in another aircraft asked if he could find the breaker, meaning the a/p circuit breaker. At 2141:27, the pilot of N8CC replied, 'call you back.' Seconds later, radio and radar contact with N8CC were lost. A search was initiated, but the aircraft was not found until the following morning. An exam revealed the aircraft impacted in a steep, nose down, inverted attitude while at high speed; much of the wreckage was buried. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found. With the a/p engaged, back pressure on the control column would have caused the a/p to trim nose down. Subsequently, the manufacturer issued a precautionary advisory to all MU-2 owner/operators regarding proper operation of the a/p and the various ways in which it can be disengaged. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) autopilot/flight director - undetermined
3. (c) emergency procedure - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
5. Descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26 Marquise in Ringenäs: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 15, 1986 at 1135 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

SE-IOX

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

MSN:

331

YOM:

1976

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3707

Captain / Total hours on type:

107.00

Aircraft flight hours:

1685

Circumstances:

The crew was engaged in a military exercise with the Swedish Army and the aircraft was used as a target. While cruising in a relative low altitude in a flat attitude, the aircraft was mistakenly shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed. Both occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

The aircraft was mistakenly shot down by a surface-to-air missile while being used as a target.

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise in Eola: 5 killed

Date & Time: Mar 5, 1986 at 1706 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Air Hi Ho

Registration:

N513DC

Flight Phase:

Executive/Corporate/Business

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Chicago – DuPage

MSN:

321

YOM:

1975

Location:

Eola

Illinois

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4590

Captain / Total hours on type:

180.00

Circumstances:

Evidence shows copilot called, 'mayday, uncontrolled spin' after aIRCRAFT radar track showed decelERATION from 180 to 120 kNOts over 2 minUTES period while maintaining constant 4,000 feet cruise altitude. Constant altitude consistent with autopilot/autotrim use, particularly in view of reported turbulence/icing. Elevator trim found at approx 13° nose up. No evidence found of preimpact failure or malfunction in aircraft powerplants, structure or systems. Evidence suggests scenario of crew inattention after power reduction with autopilot altitude setting. On power application, aircraft pitched up from slow speed into uncontrolled flight. Duty day at time of mishap approaching 11 hours. All five occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
2. (f) fatigue (flight and ground schedule) - pilot in command
3. (f) throttle/power control - improper use of - pilot in command
4. (f) trim setting - improper - pilot in command
5. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
6. (f) weather condition - turbulence
7. Stall/spin

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 Marquise in Trängslet: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 16, 1986 at 1420 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

SE-IOU

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

MSN:

304

YOM:

1974

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3300

Captain / Total hours on type:

900.00

Aircraft flight hours:

2365

Circumstances:

The crew was engaged in a local 'training' mission in the region of Trängslet as the aircraft was used as a moving target for the Swedish Army. While flying at low altitude, the aircraft struck a pine with its left wing that was partially torn off. The aircraft lost height then crashed 500 meters further. Both pilots were killed.

Probable cause:

The aircraft crashed after flying at an insufficient altitude because:
- The crew propensity to fly below the prescribed altitude, or
- Some behavior in the cockpit or other factors on the ground that may affected the attention of the crew.

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-20 Marquise in El Paso: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 16, 1985 at 2301 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Air Exchange

Registration:

N23CD

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Albuquerque – El Paso

MSN:

142

YOM:

1969

Location:

El Paso

Texas

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

9500

Captain / Total hours on type:

1200.00

Circumstances:

The pilot canceled his IFR flight plan and attempted to fly VFR at a relatively low altitude over mountainous terrain with low scattered clouds on a dark night. He reported a large lighted area as being downtown El Paso when in reality it was most likely Coronado Hills, a development on the west side of Franklin Mountain located approximately 4 miles north of the south end of the mountain. This was probably due to having just descended from IFR conditions into VFR conditions. His familiarity with the area, combined with his method of flight operation (as related by a professional acquaintance), probably gave a false sense of security and overconfidence in his personal ability. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
2. (c) vfr flight into imc - inadvertent - pilot in command
3. (c) vfr procedures - improper use of - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - clouds
5. (f) light condition - dark night
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
6. (c) became lost/disoriented - misjudged - pilot in command
7. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
8. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26 Marquise in Southbridge

Date & Time: Jul 11, 1985 at 1700 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N727MA

Flight Phase:

Executive/Corporate/Business

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Schedule:

Manchester - Southbridge

MSN:

342

YOM:

1976

Location:

Southbridge

Massachusetts

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

6615

Captain / Total hours on type:

1006.00

Aircraft flight hours:

26958

Circumstances:

During landing the aircraft impacted hard and skidded down the runway before it went off the left side of the runway. The left main wheel separated and the nose gear collapsed. Both pilots stated the landing approach was normal until the aircraft was approximately 15 feet above the runway at which time the aircraft abruptly descended and impacted hard with the runway. Prior to the impact, the aircraft was configured with 20° of flaps and landing gear was down and locked. The airspeed was 105 knots. Examination of the aircraft disclosed that the aft main gear doors were open and the nose down lock limit switch was defective. The switch is required to close the aft main gear door. The flight test by the mfg determined that opened aft main gear door has none to unnoticeable effect on stall speed. Aircraft speed at touchdown based on computations from prop slash marks was 86 knots. The stall speed of aircraft at prevailing weight and flaps configuration is below this speed, the aircraft weight was approximately 9,000 lbs.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. (c) proper descent rate - exceeded
----------
Occurrence #2: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
3. (c) level off - not possible - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
4. Landing gear, main gear - overload
5. Landing gear, nose gear - overload

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 Marquise in West Point: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 4, 1985 at 1852 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Chesapeake Aviation

Registration:

N275MA

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Ferry

Survivors:

Site:

West Point-Middle Peninsula

Schedule:

Youngstown - West Point

MSN:

255

YOM:

1973

Location:

Virginia

Country:

Region: