Zone
Illinois

Crash of a Learjet 23 off Chicago

Date & Time: Mar 19, 1966 at 1400 LT
Type of aircraft:
Learjet 23
Operator:
Registration:
N316M
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
MSN:
23-061
YOM:
1965
Location:
Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs
Illinois
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
14720
Captain / Total hours on type:
233.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a positioning flight to Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport. On approach, both engines failed simultaneously. The airplane stalled and eventually crashed into Lake Michigan, few miles short of runway. Both pilots were rescued while the aircraft sank and was lost.
Probable cause:
It was determined that both engine failed due to icing. The crew failed to use the engine/nacelle deicing systems and improperly followed the emergency procedures. Then engine heaters were activated after the engine failure, and restart was attempted with both engine heaters on.
Final Report:

Crash of a Howard Super Ventura off Chicago: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1962 at 1654 LT
Type of aircraft:
Howard Super Ventura (Howard 500)
Operator:
Registration:
N18A
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Chicago - Chicago
MSN:
5271
YOM:
1943
Location:
Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs
Illinois
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed into Michigan Lake. The aircraft was lost and both crew members were killed. They were performing a positioning flight to Chicago-Palwaukee Airport when the accident occurred.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during initial climb caused by an engine failure.

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56-23 LodeStar off Chicago

Date & Time: Feb 24, 1958
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 18 LodeStar
Operator:
Registration:
N9050
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Chicago – White Plains
MSN:
2563
YOM:
1943
Location:
Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs
Illinois
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed into the Lake Michigan, about 50 feet from the shore. All seven occupants were rescued while the aircraft was lost. Owned by Cluett Peabody & Company, the airplane was on its way to White Plains, New York.
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