Zone

Crash of a Cessna 401 in Houma: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 12, 1980 at 0800 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N444CS
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
New Orleans - Houma
MSN:
401-0093
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2145
Captain / Total hours on type:
250.00
Circumstances:
The pilot started the approach to Houma-Terrebonne Airport in marginal weather conditions (visibility 3 miles or less in fog and haze). On final, the Cessna 401 collided with a Cessna 180 registered N66186. Operated by Wurzlow Flying Service, it was approaching the same airport with one passenger and one pilot on board. Following the collision, the Cessna 401 went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. Its pilot was killed. The pilot of the Cessna 180 was able to complete an emergency landing and both occupants were slightly injured.
Probable cause:
In-flight collision on final approach after both pilots failed to see and avoid other aircraft. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fog,
- Obstructions to vision,
- Visibility 3 miles or less,
- Haze,
- Not under radar contact,
- No control area,
- Convergence angle 30°,
- Horizontal collision angle 60°,
- Anti-collision lights on.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Claude

Date & Time: Feb 23, 1979 at 0026 LT
Registration:
N61517
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Houma - Amarillo
MSN:
31-7552021
YOM:
1975
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7119
Captain / Total hours on type:
7.00
Circumstances:
While on a night cargo flight from Houma to Amarillo, one of the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in a prairie. Upon landing, the airplane collided with fences and came to rest. Both occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in flight due to fuel exhaustion. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Collision with fences,
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Inattentive to fuel supply,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Hidden obstructions,
- Complete failure on one engine,
- Pilot failed to check quantity of fuel in tanks prior to takeoff.
Final Report: