Greer

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft was seen flying low over trees, followed by a rapid roll to the left and a collision with wooded terrain. One witness reported seeing gray smoke trailing the left engine before the crash. An inspection of the wreckage revealed the left engine spark plugs were black and heavily sooted. Neither propeller had been feathered before the accident. The landing gear was found in an extended position. Further investigation revealed that Cessna multi-engine service bulletin (SB) 88-3 was not complied with. This SB modified the fuel system to provide for direct pilot (rather than automatic) actuation of the output pressure of the auxiliary fuel pumps. Both engines ran satisfactorily on a test stand following the accident. No other evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found. All three occupants were killed.

A Beech C90 (N3804F) and a Cessna 172 (N52244) collided at an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet agl as the two aircraft were taking off on intersecting runways at an uncontrolled airport. The Beech pilots were departing from runway 06 with an IFR flight plan, while the Cessna pilots were in the pattern on an instructional flight, performing a touch and go. Two ATP pilots were in the Beech; an instructor pilot (cfi) and a low-time student were in the Cessna. Based on witness information, the Cessna crew made at least one radio call on unicom while in the pattern before landing, and another call while taking off. The Beech crew reportedly made a radio call as the takeoff roll was begun. Neither flight crew appeared to take any evasive action until just before impact. The Beech pilots had received a flight plan clearance on another frequency shortly before taking off. Both pilots in the Beech were killed.

The pilot initiated an ILS approach in below minimum weather conditions shortly after night fall. He was given a low altitude alert, but continued the approach. He announced a missed approach, and indicated problems climbing to altitude. He then declared an unspecified emergency, and requested vectors to a larger airport, in spite of worsening weather conditions. He reached an altitude of 2,100 feet, but commenced another ILS approach despite previous difficulties. Radar data indicates excessive maneuvering to intercept the inbound course, with wide variations in ground speed and altitude. Following a steep climb at a low groundspeed, the aircraft disappeared below radar coverage. Witnesses indicated irregular engine sounds as the aircraft made a tight level turn at low altitude prior to impacting trees in a near level attitude. On-scene evidence shows power was being produced from both engines upon impact. Post-impact fire consumed the wreckage. Both occupants were killed.

Aircraft hit northwest side of ridge in level attitude, cruise speed, heading southeast. Conditions were dark night and the cloud ceiling was about 40 feet above the ridge. Pilot received weather brief before take off and en route which reported a ceiling of 10,000 feet at destination. Aircraft was flown at 17,500 feet en route. Pilot-in-command radioed GSP approach control, said he was VFR for landing, passing 6,000 feet. Two way communication not established but discrete tx code assigned. Controller saw tx code change northwest of crash site then radar target disappeared at accident site. All five occupants were killed.

While flying by night, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion. All four crew members were killed.