Zone
Crash of a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air in Salt Lake City: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Mar 2, 1997 at 1913 LT
Registration:
N117WM
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Las Vegas - Salt Lake City
MSN:
BB-662
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
1841.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4692
Circumstances:
The flight was on a coupled instrument landing system (ILS) approach with 1/2 mile visibility in snow showers. Three successive fixes on the localizer are defined by distance measuring equipment (DME) paired with the ILS; prior to the ILS DME commissioning 6 months before the accident, the DME fixes were defined by a VORTAC 4.7 nautical miles past the ILS DME. The aircraft was 800 feet high at the first fix and 1,500 feet high at the second, but approximately on altitude 4.7 nautical miles past the first and second fixes, respectively. It passed the outer marker 900 feet high and captured the glide slope from above about 1.8 nautical miles from the threshold, 500 feet above decision height (DH) and 700 feet above touchdown. The aircraft was on glide slope for 28 seconds, during which time its speed decayed to stall speed; it then dropped below glide slope and crashed 1.3 nautical miles short of the threshold. The pilot's FLT DIR DME-1/ DME-2 switch, which control the DME display on the pilot's horizontal situation indicator (HSI), was found set to DME-2; the NAV-2 radio was set to the VORTAC frequency. Up to 800 feet may be required for stall recovery.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed on the ILS approach, resulting in a stall. Factors included: low visibility; the pilot's selection of the improper DME for the approach; his resulting failure to attain the proper descent profile for the approach; and insufficient altitude available for stall recovery.
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 425 Conquest near Las Vegas: 7 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 11, 1992 at 1808 LT
Registration:
N425BN
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Las Vegas - Torrence
MSN:
425-0057
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
No record could be found showing the pilot received a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Unfavorable weather was in the vicinity. Several times the pilot had difficulties understanding and complying with instructions from clearance delivery, ground control, and departure control. After takeoff the pilot requested and received an IFR clearance. During the last five minutes of flight radar returns showed the airplane changing heading from 45° to as much as 180° about 10 times and descending or ascending several times from altitudes ranging from 4,500 feet msl to 11,500 feet msl. The altitude and heading changes were not directed by controllers. About 3 minutes before the accident departure control asked the pilot if he had a problem. The pilot indicated that he did and 'we're trying to get straight.' One minute later, the pilot said 'we're all right.' Shortly afterwards, radar data showed a loss of control. Radar and communications were lost and an on ground explosion was observed as the accident occurred. An FAA flight surgeon reviewed the pilot's medical records. Within one year of the accident the pilot had 3 physical conditions and was taking 3 separate prescriptions which would have prevented him from being medically qualified to pilot an aircraft. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were:
1) the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing and to properly evaluate the existing weather conditions prior to flight, and
2) reported unfavorable weather conditions, including turbulence, snow, rain, and obscuration at flight altitudes along the pilot's route of flight.
1) the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing and to properly evaluate the existing weather conditions prior to flight, and
2) reported unfavorable weather conditions, including turbulence, snow, rain, and obscuration at flight altitudes along the pilot's route of flight.
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 340 near Las Vegas: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 29, 1984
Registration:
N4001Q
Survivors:
No
MSN:
340-0001
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot was carrying illegal cargo (marijuana) in N4001Q. During a low high speed pass at night over an intended landing area, the aircraft struck rising terrain. There was approximately 800 lbs of marijuana on the aircraft. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (c) visual lookout - not possible - pilot in command
3. (f) terrain condition - rising
4. (c) low pass - attempted - pilot in command
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (c) visual lookout - not possible - pilot in command
3. (f) terrain condition - rising
4. (c) low pass - attempted - pilot in command
Final Report:
