Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar in Roanoke: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 23, 1981 at 1003 LT
Registration:
N3641U
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Roanoke - Winchester
MSN:
61-0820-8063429
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4352
Captain / Total hours on type:
79.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Roanoke-Woodrum Field, while climbing, both engines lost power. The airplane stalled and crashed near the airport. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure or malfunction due to improperly serviced aircraft by ground crew. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper fuel grade,
- Evasive maneuver to avoid collision,
- Inadequate supervision/training of ramp crews,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Aircraft refueled 8 of March with 100LL and 20 of March with Jet A by same individual on overtime due to supervisor illness.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) near Wilma: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 23, 1980 at 1043 LT
Registration:
N8250J
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Panama City – Fort Myers
MSN:
61-0719-8063348
YOM:
1980
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3454
Captain / Total hours on type:
54.00
Circumstances:
While in normal cruise on a flight from Panama City to Fort Myers, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent. Due to overload failure, it partially disintegrated in the air, losing its left wing and tail section before crashing in an uninhabited area located near Wilma. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash for undetermined reasons. The following findings were reported:
- Overload failure,
- Separation in flight,
- Left wing and tail section separated,
- Left engine not recovered.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) near Summerville: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 2, 1980 at 1954 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N90463
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chattanooga – Birmingham
MSN:
61P-0260-050
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1362
Captain / Total hours on type:
56.00
Circumstances:
En route from Chattanooga to Birmingham, while in cruising altitude, the twin engine entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in an open field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the loss of control could not be determined.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in Teutonic Bore: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 28, 1980 at 1137 LT
Operator:
Registration:
VH-KXY
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Teutonic Bore – Leonora – Perth
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2810
Captain / Total hours on type:
149.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was engaged on the return segment of a flight from Perth to Teutonic Bore, with an intended refuelling stop at Leonora. After embarking the two passengers and their baggage, the pilot started the engines and taxied for a take-off into the north, on the 1350 metre long main strip. The weather conditions were fine with a northerly surface wind of about 7 knots. The initial part of the take-off run was apparently normal but, after travelling some 400 metres and at about the point of rotation, one of the passengers noted an engine power surge. The take-off was continued, the aircraft became airborne and shortly afterwards the landing gear was retracted. After the aircraft had slowly climbed straight ahead to an altitude of about 200-300 feet above ground level, the passenger heard a marked change in the engine noise and felt the aircraft decelerating. The extent of the power loss and the absence of any yawing force indicated both engines had lost power simultaneously. Level flight straight ahead was reportedly maintained for an estimated 10 seconds and then the aircraft entered a descending left turn. At about this time the pilot, in response to a query from the passenger, advised that he intended to return to the airstrip but then stated "we're going down", or words to that effect. The terrain in the area was generally firm and flat. It was lightly covered with scrub and there was occasional small trees but a safe landing with only minimal damage was possible. When VH-KXY struck the ground the gear and flaps were retracted and the rate of descent was high. The aircraft was in a level attitude but yawed approximately 45 degrees to the right. After the initial impact, the aircraft slid across the ground on a track of 220 degrees magnetic for 67 metres before coming to rest. There was no post-impact fire. One passenger was able to exit via the cabin door by his own efforts. The other occupants were trapped in the wreckage and were rescued some 30 minutes later by persons who attended the accident. The pilot died shortly after being removed from the aircraft.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of the accident was that, following a substantial loss of power by both engines, the pilot did not carry out the procedures necessary for a safe forced landing. The cause of the loss of power by both engines has not been determined.
Final Report:

Piper PA-61P Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in San Jose: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1980 at 1034 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N8078J
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Jose - San Jose
MSN:
61P-0565-7963245
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2400
Captain / Total hours on type:
15.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed San Jose Municipal Airport on a local aerial photography mission, carrying one passenger and one pilot. En route, the airplane stall, entered a spin and crashed in flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Stall and subsequent spin after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. During a radar vector to ILS, the pilot reported he would be taking pictures at a slow speed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in Bishop: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 9, 1979 at 1330 LT
Registration:
N600WW
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bishop - Bishop
MSN:
61P-0269-056
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1765
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was completing a solo practice flight in the vicinity of Bishop Airport. While flying at low height, he lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in a field. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall during a low pass after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar in Teterboro: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 16, 1979 at 1215 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N8099J
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Teterboro - State College
MSN:
61P-05917963261
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
8300
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from runway 24 at Teterboro Airport, while climbing, one of the engine caught fire after the exhaust pipe separated. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in flames in Carlstadt, less than 1,2 mile from the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Engine fire or explosion during initial climb after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Exhaust system: stacks,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Fire in engine,
- Separation in flight,
- Exhaust pipe assembly part n° 32006-511 failed at flange weld.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar (Ted Smith Aerostar 601P) in Aspen: 4 killed

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1979 at 1604 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N35FC
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Aspen - Amarillo
MSN:
61-0256-048
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
2500
Captain / Total hours on type:
12.00
Circumstances:
Few minutes after takeoff from Aspen-Pitkin County-Sardy Field Airport, while climbing, the pilot reported engine malfunction and was cleared to return for an emergency landing. Shortly later, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure or malfunction and subsequent uncontrolled descent for unknown reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- High density altitude, approximately 8,600 feet,
- Left engine reported rough before takeoff.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith Aerostar 601P) in Columbus: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 14, 1979 at 0930 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N8061J
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Logansport - Columbus
MSN:
61-0544-232
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
469
Captain / Total hours on type:
82.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Columbus-Ohio State University Airport in clouds, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed. Icing conditions were forecasted.
Probable cause:
Stall on final approach due to improper in-flight decisions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airframe ice,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Sigmet and airmet warned of icing conditions in clouds above freezing level,
- The aircraft was not certified for flight in known icing conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith Aerostar 601P) near New Braunfels: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 17, 1979 at 1435 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N9779Q
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Antonio – Lake Charles
MSN:
61-0407-143
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1200
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a flight from San Antonio to Lake Charles, the twin engine airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed near New Braunfels, Texas. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent ground collision after the pilot attempted operation beyond experience/ability level. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper IFR operation,
- Suffered a spatial disorientation,
- One day prior to the accident, flight instructor recommended the pilot not to fly IFR till 10 hours additional dual instruction received.
Final Report: