Zone

Crash of a Beechcraft B60 Duke in Farmingdale

Date & Time: Nov 5, 2022 at 1351 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N51AL
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burlington – Farmingdale
MSN:
P-247
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4672
Captain / Total hours on type:
173.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7476
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that he was under the impression that his airplane’s inboard fuel tanks had been topped and he had 202 gallons on board prior to departure. He had a “standing order” with the airport’s fixed base operator to top the tanks; however, the fueling was not accomplished and he did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure. He entered 202 gallons in cockpit fuel computer and unknowingly commenced the flight with 61 gallons on board. Prior to reaching his destination, his fuel supply was exhausted, both engines lost all power, and he performed a forced landing in a cemetery about one mile from the airport. The pilot and his passenger had minor injuries. Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage and determined that damage to the wings and fuselage was substantial. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the airplane’s fuel system, resulting in him commencing the flight with an inadequate fuel supply.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in Burlington

Date & Time: Oct 12, 2000 at 0931 LT
Registration:
C-FAWF
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burlington – Toronto
MSN:
61-0629-7963287
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
15000
Captain / Total hours on type:
30.00
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that after rotation, he obtained a positive rate of climb. At 110 knots, with the landing gear retracted and the wing flaps at 10 degrees, he noticed a right roll, a drop in climb performance, and a drop of manifold pressure on the right engine to at least 34 inches. The left engine maintained 42 inches. The pilot decided that, due to a "very minimum climb rate, rising terrain ahead, [and] airspeed not increasing," he would land the airplane in a small field about 1/4 mile and 50 degrees to the left. The pilot abruptly lowered the nose of the airplane and raised the flaps to gain airspeed, then landed with a nose-high attitude and the landing gear partially extended. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed there was vertical compression to the belly area, the fuselage was spilt across the top at the aft end of the cabin, and both wings were damaged, with the left wing buckled downward just inboard of the engine. Examination also revealed that a clamp on the right engine intake manifold was loose. An estimated takeoff weight placed the airplane 74 pounds over the maximum allowed of 6,200 pounds. The type certificate holder estimated that with the airplane at 6,400 pounds, climbing at 110 kts, and with a partial power loss down to 26 inches on one engine, the rate of climb should have been 1,150 fpm with flaps and landing gear up, and 830 fpm with flaps 10 degrees and landing gear down. Higher terrain was to the east, and lower terrain was to the west. Terrain elevation for a straight-out departure was 25 feet above the runway at 0.5 nm, and 70 feet above the runway at 2.8 nm. The pilot reported his total flight experience as 15,000 hours, which included 13,000 hours in multi-engine airplanes, and 30 hours in make and model, all with the preceding 90 days.
Probable cause:
The pilot's improper in-flight decision to perform a precautionary landing, and his failure to maintain airspeed after he experienced a partial loss of power on one engine. A factor was the partial loss of power on one engine due to an induction air leak.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18S in Everett

Date & Time: Jan 10, 2000 at 2024 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1827M
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Everett - Burlington
MSN:
A-394
YOM:
1947
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5900
Captain / Total hours on type:
404.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10429
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that the start, taxi and run-up were normal. The engines were producing full power for the takeoff ground roll. The pilot stated that the airplane lifted off and attained an altitude of approximately five feet when it began to bank and roll to the left. The pilot applied corrective action, however, the airplane would not respond. The pilot elected to abort the take off and reduced engine power. The airplane touched down in the soft dirt/grass next to the runway. The main landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid to a stop. The pilot reported that there was no indication of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the engines. An FAA inspector verified flight control continuity with no abnormalities noted.
Probable cause:
Loss of aircraft control during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 1900C-1 in Quincy: 12 killed

Date & Time: Nov 19, 1996 at 1701 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N87GL
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chicago – Burlington – Quincy
MSN:
UC-087
YOM:
1989
Flight number:
UA5925
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Captain / Total hours on type:
700.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1950
Copilot / Total hours on type:
800
Aircraft flight hours:
18446
Aircraft flight cycles:
26797
Circumstances:
The Beechcraft 1900C, N87GL, was in its landing roll on runway 13, and the Beechcraft A90, N1127D, was in its takeoff roll on runway 04. The collision occurred at the intersection of the two runways. The flight crew of the Beechcraft 1900C had made appropriate efforts to coordinate the approach and landing through radio communications and visual monitoring; however they mistook a Cherokee pilot's transmission (that he was holding for departure on runway 04) as a response from the Beechcraft A90 to their request for the Beechcraft A90's intentions, and therefore mistakenly believed that the Beechcraft A90 was not planning to take off until after the Beechcraft 1900C had cleared the runway. The failure of the Beechcraft A90 pilot to announce over the common traffic advisory frequency his intention to take off created a potential for collision between the two airplanes.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilots in the King Air A90 to effectively monitor the common traffic advisory frequency or to properly scan for traffic, resulting in their commencing a takeoff roll when the Beechcraft 1900C (United Express flight 5925) was landing on an intersecting runway. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the Cherokee pilot's interrupted radio transmission, which led to the Beechcraft 1900C pilot's misunderstanding of the transmission as an indication from the King Air that it would not take off until after flight 5925 had cleared the runway. Contributing to the severity of the accident and the loss of life were the lack of adequate aircraft rescue and firefighting services and the failure of the air stair door on the Beechcraft 1900C to be opened.
Final Report:

Crash of a Canadair CL-601-3A Challenger in Bassett

Date & Time: Mar 20, 1994 at 0036 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N88HA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lawrence – Burlington – Long Beach
MSN:
5072
YOM:
1990
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7110
Captain / Total hours on type:
2570.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1109
Circumstances:
The pilots flew to Lawrence, MA to refuel for the return flight back to the west coast. They stated the fuel truck malfunctioned and stopped after it had pumped about 221 gallons into the airplane. They were warned about possible fuel contamination, but they reported sump samples did not reveal abnormal amounts of water. The pilots observed erroneous fuel totalizer indications during the low alt flight to Burlington, VT, where they topped off with fuel. The flight crew stated while in cruise flight at FL410, the left engine low fuel pressure light illuminated. Sometime later, the left engine lost power, followed by a loss of power in the right engine. Numerous restart attempts on both engines and the apu were unsuccessful. The pilots maneuvered towards the nearest airport, but were unable to visually identify the runway in time to land on it. The airplane touched down in a field, striking an irrigation structure and trees. Water-contaminated fuel was found in the fuel tanks, fuel filters, and throughout the fuel system.
Probable cause:
The pilot in command's inadequate planning/decision making and inadequate preflight inspection after receiving a load of contaminated fuel. Related factors are the contaminated fuel, improper refueling by FBO personnel, and the dark night light conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Burlington: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 29, 1990 at 2100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N4688B
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Burlington - Albany
MSN:
208B-0169
YOM:
1989
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3110
Captain / Total hours on type:
270.00
Aircraft flight hours:
371
Circumstances:
The pilot failed to deice the wings prior to the takeoff and overloaded the airplane by 360 lbs structurally and 1,100 lbs for flight in icing conditions. There was moderate snow falling at the time of takeoff. The takeoff roll was described as long and a witness saw the wings rocking from side to side after takeoff. The airplane struck trees one mile off the end of the runway, crashed and burned. Post accident investigation found snow contamination on the top of one wing that did not burn and the top of the horizontal stabilizers and elevators. No discrepancies were found with the engine or airframe. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to de-ice the airplane prior to departure, and his decision to make the takeoff at a weight that exceeded both the maximum structural takeoff weight and the reduced takeoff weight allowed for icing conditions resulting in an inadvertent stall.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FL on Mt Ethan Allen: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 8, 1986 at 0800 LT
Registration:
N6341U
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Montpelier - Burlington
MSN:
680-1379-47
YOM:
1963
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2428
Captain / Total hours on type:
53.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8072
Circumstances:
The pilot was on a VFR flight from Montpelier, VT to Burlington, VT; a distance of about 80 miles. A mountain range is between the two location. Shortly after takeoff the pilot radioed Burlington approach control and requested an IFR clearance to land at Burlington. He reported that he was 10 miles northwest of Montpelier. The pilot was assigned a transponder code. The air traffic controller then noticed that the aircraft was near a mountain at a unverified altitude of 3,500 feet. The controller alerted the pilot that he was 2 miles south of a 4,393 feet high mountain. There was no response from the pilot. The aircraft collided with the east side of Mt Ethan Allen at a height of 3,580 feet. The aircraft was on a northwest heading at impact. VFR conditions of 3,800 feet broken and 4,000 feet scattered existed at the time. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. (c) vfr flight into imc - performed - pilot in command
2. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
3. (c) clearance - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - obscuration
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Whitefield: 4 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 2035 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N27522
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burlington - Whitefield
MSN:
31-7852040
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Aircraft flight hours:
1900
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed after executing a missed approach at Whitefield during IMC weather. The aircraft was seen at 300-400 feet agl during some part of the maneuvering near the airport. The aircraft seemed to be heading for the airport when last seen by ground observers. The only indication of trouble was the low altitude of flight. The aircraft crashed at the 2,800 feet level of twin mountain on a heading of 120° at 2035 hours. It was last seen about 2015 hours. No fuel was found in the engine fuel dividers or fuel lines. The inboard tanks were more than half full of fuel. Normal operation calls for takeoff, climb and descent on the inboard tanks. The outboard tanks are used for non-maneuvering flight during cruise. A passenger was seriously injured while four other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: missed approach (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) fluid, fuel - starvation
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) fuel tank selector position - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Skywagon in Friday Harbor: 7 killed

Date & Time: Apr 8, 1976 at 0725 LT
Registration:
N1645U
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Burlington - Friday Harbor
MSN:
207-0245
YOM:
1974
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
1685
Captain / Total hours on type:
883.00
Circumstances:
While approaching Friday harbor, weather conditions worsened with a limited visibility to half of mile due to fog and low ceiling. Unable to locate the runway, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around when he lost control of the airplane that crashed in flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all seven occupants have been killed.
Probable cause:
Stall during a go-around procedure due to inadequate supervision of flight crew. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions,
- Spatial disorientation,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Premature flap retraction,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Limited visibility to half a mile,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Aircraft loaded near max gross weight and CofG near aft limit.
Final Report:

Crash of a Gulfstream GII in Burlington

Date & Time: Feb 22, 1976 at 1504 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N397F
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Newark - Burlington
MSN:
72
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4744
Captain / Total hours on type:
754.00
Circumstances:
On final approach, during the last segment, the airplane was unstable and rolled right and left. This caused the right wing to struck the runway surface then the left wing. The aircraft cartwheeled and came to rest. While all four occupants escaped uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Improper operation of flight controls caused the aircraft to cartwheel on landing. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Snow showers.
Final Report: