Crash of a Piper PA-31T3-T1040 Cheyenne III in Homer: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1989 at 1810 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N302SC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kenai - Homer
MSN:
31-8275004
YOM:
1982
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2500
Captain / Total hours on type:
40.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9266
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on an IFR flight from Kenai to the Beluga Airport. The airport did not have an instrument approach procedure, a co-located navaid or a co-located intersection or fix. Reportedly, pilots would routinely file IFR for the route, fly outbound from Kenai for 34.5 miles, then atmt visibility acquisition of the airport. On this flight, ARTCC cleared the pilot to fly direct to the airport at an altitude of 2,000 feet. Before reaching the airport, the pilot acknowledged receipt of a clearance to cruise at 2,000 feet and to report cancellation of IFR, then there was no further communication between ARTCC and the flight. Mode C radar data showed the aircraft descended to 600 feet as it was approaching about 5 miles south of the Beluga Airport. Subsequently, the aircraft flew past the uncontrolled airport and crashed into trees about 8 miles northwest of the airport. Marks on the trees showed the aircraft was in a right descending turn on an easterly heading, when it crashed. Elevation of the crash site was 560 feet. Minimum safe (IFR) altitude for the Beluga Airport area was 2,000 feet. There were indications that the destination weather was below VFR conditions. No preimpact mechanical problem was found that would have resulted in the accident. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude. Darkness and adverse weather conditions were related factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-1040 Cheyenne III in Sachs Harbour: 5 killed

Date & Time: Sep 22, 1989
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-GBDH
Survivors:
No
MSN:
31-8375003
YOM:
1983
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
On final approach to Sachs Harbour Airport, the pilot encountered limited visibility due to fog when the aircraft crashed in a lake located 600 meters short of runway. All five occupants were killed.

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-620 Cheyenne II in Louisville: 3 killed

Date & Time: Sep 15, 1989 at 1336 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N63XL
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Broomfield - Louisville
MSN:
31-8166037
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
27000
Captain / Total hours on type:
3500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
996
Circumstances:
The pilot and two mechanics were on a maintenance test flight. As the aircraft was on a straight-in approach to runway 11 from the west, the pilot was advised of traffic ahead and told to slow his speed as much as possible. The pilot acknowledged. About 15 seconds later, the controller told the pilot (of N63XL) to make a 360° turn to the left for spacing. Shortly hereafter, witnesses observed the aircraft enter a steep bank (turn), then go into a steep spiraling, nose down, descent and crash. No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft or engines was found. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for spacing in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne I in Saarbrücken: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 10, 1988
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
D-IKWP
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cannes – Saarbrücken
MSN:
31-8004049
YOM:
1980
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
On approach to Saarbrücken Airport, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in Ballweiler, about 7 km short of runway 27. All five occupants were killed.

Crash of a Piper PA-31P-350 Mojave in Redlands: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 26, 1988 at 1900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N79HW
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Imperial - Redlands
MSN:
31-8414021
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
550
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
660
Circumstances:
The airport is next to Norton AFB. The weather on the dark moonless night was 1 mile visibility in fog and haze. The pilot completed an ILS to a low approach at Norton and received a special VFR clearance to proceed to Redlands. The circling MDA for Norton is 1,700 feet msl. Norton AFB elevation is 1,100 feet msl, and the Redlands Airport elevation is 1,572 feet msl. The circling MDA for Norton is 138 feet above the Redlands Airport elevation. The recorded radar data showed that the flight descended to 1,800 feet on the ILS, then the mode C varied between 1,700 and 1,600 feet. The last radar return was about 1 mile from the Redlands Airport at 1,600 feet msl. A witness on the airport saw the aircraft fly over runway 08 in a south to north direction, 'low and fast.' The witness heard the crash sounds immediately thereafter. Evidence at the accident site revealed the aircraft left wing contacted the ground in a 42° left bank in a slight nose down attitude. Few ground reference lights exist in the area and the pilot had minimum total night time. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's inadvertent selection of an inappropriate altitude for the attempted night special VFR circle to land maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the dark night, restricted visibilities and lack of ground reference lights. Also contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited total night experience.
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
3. Visual/aural perception - pilot in command
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. (f) lack of total experience in type operation - pilot in command
6. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
7. (f) planned approach - inadequate - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-620 Cheyenne II in Saint Louis: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 18, 1988 at 1903 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N200RS
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Alexander City – Saint Louis – Quincy
MSN:
31-7520011
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Circumstances:
The passenger said that the approach appeared normal until the pilot turned on the landing lights while in the overcast. Seconds after, the aircraft impacted trees, careening out of control, and snapping power lines; then striking a house roof before coming to rest on the ground. The airplane began to burn as it went through the power lines. The weather at the time was at or above IFR landing minimums. The flight had been in a holding pattern for forty five minutes prior to commencing the approach. All of the aircraft's systems and powerplants, as well as the FAA approach facilities, were determined to be in working order. The pilot was killed and all three passengers were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Proper glide path not maintained by p.i.c., decision height not identified By the pic, missed approach not performed by the pic. Turning on lights in overcast.
Findings
Occurrence #1: undershoot
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - obscuration
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (c) proper glidepath - not maintained - pilot in command
5. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
6. (c) decision height - not identified - pilot in command
7. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
8. (f) object - tree(s)
9. (f) object - wire, transmission
10. (f) object - residence
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-620 Cheyenne II in Munich: 9 killed

Date & Time: Aug 11, 1987 at 1528 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
D-ILRA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Landsberg - Munich
MSN:
31-8020009
YOM:
1980
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Landsberg-Penzing Airport on a training flight to Munich, carrying one passenger (a secretary of the Southern Bavarian Air Office), one instructor and one pilot. On final approach to Munich-Riem Airport runway 07, at an altitude of 200 feet, the instructor decided to reduce the power on the right engine while the pilot was expecting to initiate a go-around procedure according to the training program. He elected to add power on the left engine but the aircraft lost height, struck the roof of a McDonald's restaurant located in the district of Trudering and eventually crashed in flames on a bus. The aircraft, the restaurant, the bus and several other vehicles were destroyed and seven people were killed, all three occupants in the aircraft and four passengers in the bus. Few days later, two other victims died from their injuries. 30 other people were injured, some of them seriously.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the instructor's decision to reduce power was taken at a critical stage of flight because the aircraft was approaching at a too low altitude of 200 feet and flying vertical to a populated area. Also, the pilot was expecting to initiate a go-around according to the training program.

Crash of a Piper PA-31T-620 Cheyenne II in Cody: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 20, 1987 at 1722 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2336X
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Idaho Falls - Cody
MSN:
31-8120002
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
6500
Circumstances:
N2336X was on a business flight to Cody, WY. The pilot executed a missed approach on the first attempt of the VOR-A approach. A pilot who landed at Cody minutes before the accident said the visibility had decreased to 3/4 of a mile when N2336X made the first approach and approx 1/2 mile when N2336X crashed. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft prior to accident. The sas servo arm was found in the full up position. The aircraft struck the terrain in a steep nose low attitude on a heading that was opposite to the direction of flight. Approach minimums at Cody are 5,800 feet and 1 mile visibility. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - snow
4. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
6. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Lawrence

Date & Time: Mar 20, 1987 at 2300 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N200FD
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Providence - Lawrence
MSN:
31-7520040
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9530
Captain / Total hours on type:
789.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3707
Circumstances:
The crew of the PA-31T Cheyenne had made one missed approach and the copilot was calling out the altitudes to the pilot. The pilot's reply to the copilot that he was just going to descend to 400 feet. The approach minimums were published for an MDA of 660 feet plus 80 feet when the control zone is not in effect. The aircraft flew into rising terrain. The copilot suffered minor injuries, the aircraft was destroyed due to impact and fire.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - obscuration
2. (f) weather condition - snow
3. (f) light condition - dark night
4. (c) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
5. (c) minimum descent altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
6. Overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Merrillville: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 30, 1986 at 0254 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N74NL
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Louisville - Chicago
MSN:
31-7720010
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2170
Captain / Total hours on type:
140.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6888
Circumstances:
The aircraft was enroute to the Chicago Midway Airport. While letting down to 16,000 feet the pilot reported he was shutting down the right engine. ARTCC cleared the aircraft to 5,000 feet. Ten minutes later ARTCC lost radio transponder and mode C contact. 15 minutes later the aircraft descended out of the 1,800 feet overcast and struck a 170 feet utility tower at the 150 feet level. The aircraft then ground impacted and burned. Investigation revealed that the right engine had a bearing failure due to lack of lubrication. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (f) engine assembly, bearing - distorted
2. (f) engine assembly, bearing - binding (mechanical)
3. Emergency procedure - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
4. (f) electrical system - failure, total
5. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
6. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (f) flight/nav instruments - failure, partial
8. (f) minimum descent altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
9. Anxiety/apprehension - pilot in command
10. (f) light condition - dark night
11. (c) descent - misjudged - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report: