Lawton-Fort Sill

The number one (left) engine failed during the takeoff from runway 35. It was reported that the aircraft yawed sharply left and climbed to between 50 and 100 feet agl before it began losing altitude. The aircraft struck the ground and continued to move forward on the ground several hundred feet until it struck the airport perimeter fence. The aircraft came to rest 1,600 feet west of the runway, on a heading of 290°. A post-crash fire destroyed the cargo area of the aircraft. Examination of the left engine revealed a compressor turbine blade airfoil separation. Disassembly of the propeller on the left engine indicated that the propeller had autofeathered normally after the engine failed. The captain reportedly made the takeoff. All eight occupants were injured, two seriously. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Atr pilot departing airport under VMC experienced failure of the right engine shortly after lift-off. The aircraft yawed right followed by a steep right roll, contacting power lines with the right wing and subsequently impacted the ground. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft with the exception of both engines and a portion of the right wing panel. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft caused by blockage of oil jet due to fod. Oil line from scavenge sump to scavenge pump inlet had been replaced prior to accident. The aircraft had experienced maintenance problem (oil leak) approximately 2 weeks prior to accident. Source of fod is undetermined. Both occupants were killed.

An intermittent fire in the left engine accessory section led to loss of fuel to the engine. The right engine ingested water and quit. The landing gear had been left pinned in the down position because of a malfunction reported on the previous flight. Neither propeller was feathered, but the resulting high rate of descent led to a forced landing before the left tank blew up and the wing burned off. The aircraft was destroyed by fire after all three occupants escaped without serious injury. The aircraft was being ferried to another facility for restoration.

Weather conditions in Huntsville were poor so the crew decided to divert to Houston-William P. Hobby Intercontinental Airport. The approach was initiated in low visibility due to foggy conditions. On final approach, the airplane struck a 75 feet high electronic tower located two miles short of runway and crashed in a field. Both pilots and three passengers were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was a 1/4 mile or less in fog. The charter flight was completed on behalf of Mohawk Airlines.

While descending to Altus Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with fog, low ceiling and rain showers. While approaching at an insufficient altitude, the airplane struck the ground and crashed few miles from the runway threshold. Two passengers were killed while two other occupants, among them the pilot, were injured.

The four engine aircraft christened 'Old Shakey' was involved in a flight from McChord AFB to Lawton, Oklahoma, carrying a truck, several jeeps, two trailers and soldiers from Fort Sill who had been taking part in Exercise Lava Plains at the Yakima Firing Center. After a night takeoff, while climbing to a height of 500 feet, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames in a wooded area located two miles south of the airport. 18 people were killed while four others were injured. The aircraft was totally destroyed.
Crew:
Cpt Warren J. Fair, pilot, †
Cpt Alvin W. Hill, copilot, †
Sgt Robert Wayne Cummins, †
M/Sgt Arnold R. Neldens, †
M/Sgt Raymond E. Overby, †
S/Sgt Ernest T. Landrum,
A2c James M. Smallwood. †
Passengers:
Pvt James Aldrich,
M/Sgt Llewellyn Morris Chilson,
P1c Jimmie R. Hunter,
P1c C. L. Buchanan, †
P1c T. E. Pulliam, †
P1c D. F. Radcliff, †
P1c D. J. Smith, †
P1c O. M. Wellings, †
P1c David Hoskins, †
P1c R. R. Kubik, †
S4c W. M. Gordon, †
S4c W. T. Kelly, †
S4c Joseph Lee, †
Sgt A. G. Neria, †
Sgt Lawrence Harrison. †

En route, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 2,5 miles southwest of New Boston. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 10 crew members were killed.