Columbus

The pilot requested and received clearance to execute the SDF approach, and was instructed to maintain 4,000 feet until established on the approach. Radar data revealed the airplane was never established on the approach, and started to descend before reaching the IAF. The airplane passed the IAF at 2,900 feet, and continued in a descending left hand turn into unprotected airspace. The airplane disappeared from radar at 1,900 feet, as it completed 180 degrees of turn. The turn did not match any of the four instrument approaches to the airport. The airplane struck a guy wire on a lighted communications antenna 3.3 MN southeast of the airport on a heading of 360 degrees. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems was found. A flight check by the FAA confirmed no navigation signal was received for the approach, which had been turned off and listed as out of service for over 4 years. In addition, the pilot did not report the lack of a navigation signal to ATC or execute a missed approach. Interviews disclosed the ATC controller failed to verify the approach was in service before issuing the approach clearance.

The part 135 on-demand air taxi flight departed Denver, Colorado, with a destination of Columbus, Nebraska. Weather forecasts were for icing conditions along the entire route of flight. While en route, ATC advised the pilot of reported icing ahead. The pilot was cleared to climb to 19,000 feet to get on top of the clouds. The pilot reported 'some alternator problems,' and requested to divert to North Platte, Nebraska. He then elected to divert to McCook, Nebraska, due to the weather at North Platte. ATC lost communication with the pilot during the diversion. Witnesses reported the airplane circled the McCook Airport twice. According to them, the airplane entered a bank of about 45°, then stalled. Subsequently, it traveled about 190 feet through a stand of trees before coming to rest. Witnesses reported the airplane was covered with ice. One-half inch of mixed ice was found on a piece of windshield. Both alternators had one phase in the stator winding shorted.

While cruising by night on a flight from Ozark, Alabama, to Augusta, Georgia, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in a residential area, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. There were no casualties on ground.

During the takeoff roll at New Cumberland Airport, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff due to technical issues on the left engine. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran, struck a moving vehicle on a road and crashed. The pilot was slightly injured while no one on the ground was injured.

On final approach to runway 05, while at a height of 10 feet, the DC-3 was hit by a private Vultee BT-13 registered NC55312 and carrying one pilot. Following the collision, both aircraft climbed to a height of 150 feet and then stalled and crashed in a huge explosion. Both aircraft were destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.

The pilot was performing a night mail/cargo flight. During the stop in Pittsburgh, he was informed by ground staff about the poor weather conditions and icing accumulation on wings and fuselage. The takeoff run was long and the rotation was completed late, after the aircraft rolled all away down the runway. During initial climb, while flying at a height of some 200 feet, the aircraft made a turn to the left and spiraled to the ground. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.

Shortly after a night takeoff from Pittsburgh Airport, the airplane went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.

While on a night cargo flight from Columbus to Pittsburgh, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with heavy snow falls. He decided to bail and abandoned the aircraft when the cords of his parachute got stuck in the fuselage. The airplane entered a dive and crashed in the Ohio River in Steubenville. The pilot was killed and the passenger female was never recovered.

En route from Columbus to New York, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds. While flying at low height in poor visibility, the airplane impacted trees and crashed in a wooded area located in Mount Gretna. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.