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

Date & Time: Aug 19, 2017 at 1642 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N7108
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Donegal Springs - Donegal Springs
MSN:
61-0405-142
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
400
Captain / Total hours on type:
1.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3957
Circumstances:
The commercial pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right, and he corrected to the left and aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with an embankment. At the time of the accident, a quartering tailwind was present. The pilot had no previous experience in the accident airplane make and model or in any other multiengine airplane equipped with engines capable of producing 300 horsepower. During a postaccident conversation with a mechanic, the pilot stated that the airplane "got away from him" during the attempted takeoff. Because a postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane's flight controls or nosewheel steering system that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot did not have any previous experience operating this make and model of airplane, it is likely that the pilot lost directional control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in North Myrtle Beach: 5 killed

Date & Time: Sep 20, 1998 at 1331 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N17MT
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
North Myrtle Beach – Donegal Springs
MSN:
60-0641-7961203
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
1321
Captain / Total hours on type:
474.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3413
Circumstances:
After takeoff while over the departure end of the runway, deep gray colored smoke was observed by the tower controller trailing the right engine. The pilot was alerted of this and advised the controller the flight was returning. Witnesses reported seeing smoke trailing the right engine and that the airplane rolled to the left, pitched nose down, impacted trees, and then the ground. A fatigue crack was detected in the exhaust aft of the No. 6 cylinder of the right engine; and incomplete fusion of a weld repair was also noted. Heat damaged components from the right engine were replaced and the engine was started and found to operate normally. A foreign object of undetermined origin was found in the intake area of the No. 3 cylinder. Analysis of the voice tape revealed both engines/propellers were operating near full rated rpm when the pilot acknowledged the transmission that smoke was trailing the right engine, one engine/propeller rpm then decreased to about 2,160 rpm. Examination of the flight controls revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Flap positions at impact could not be determined. Calculations indicate that the airplane was approximately 55 pounds over the maximum certificated takeoff weight at takeoff.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vs) during a single engine approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors contributing to the accident were a fatigue crack in the exhaust pipe in the right engine, the aircraft weight and balance was exceeded, degraded aircraft performance and the pilot's diverted attention.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in Donegal Springs: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 4, 1998 at 2040 LT
Registration:
N600JB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Donegal Springs – Philadelphie
MSN:
60-0001
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1185
Captain / Total hours on type:
398.00
Circumstances:
The airplane departed at night after maintenance was performed on the left engine. The pilot attempted to return to the airport and while on base leg struck the ground inverted and nose down. The left engine propeller was found feathered. On the left engine, the # 5 cylinder was off the engine and the # 5 piston with the connecting rod still attached were found nearby. Interviews revealed that during maintenance, the # 1,3,5,and 6 cylinders had been removed and reinstalled; however, the # 5 cylinder had not been tightened. Several people had worked on the airplane at various stages of the work. The maintenance facility did not have a system to pass down what had been accomplished, and the FAA did not require the tracking of work accomplished in other than 14 CFR Part 121, or 14 CFR Part 145 facilities.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during a precautionary landing which resulted in a loss of control while operating with one engine shutdown. An additional cause was the improper maintenance procedures that resulted in the #5 cylinder not being tightened down. A factor was the night conditions.
Final Report: