Zone
Iowa

Crash of a Learjet 24 in Muscatine

Date & Time: Jan 16, 1997 at 1428 LT
Type of aircraft:
Learjet 24
Operator:
Air Cargo Express (Fort Wayne)
Registration:
N991TD
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Fort Wayne – Muscatine
MSN:
24-124
YOM:
1966
Location:
Muscatine
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6200
Captain / Total hours on type:
700.00
Circumstances:
According to the pilot, the airplane '...began moving to the left side of the runway...' immediately upon touchdown. He attempted to abort the landing but the airplane contacted snow at the runway's left edge. The airplane exited the runway's left edge and slid sideways, about 300 yards.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the snow covered runway edge.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Muscatine: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1973 at 2200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft E18
Operator:
Registration:
N262AA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Des Moines - Chicago
MSN:
BA-370
YOM:
1958
Location:
Muscatine
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8305
Captain / Total hours on type:
2830.00
Circumstances:
While cruising by night on a cargo flight from Des Moines to Chicago, the pilot encountered engine problems and decided to divert to Muscatine for an emergency landing. Due to lack of visibility, he was unable to locate the runway and completed three low passes then started an approach to runway 12. On final, the airplane struck the ground and crashed about 1,245 feet short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in flight. The following factors were reported:
- Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls,
- Improper operation or failed to use anti-icing and deicing equipment,
- Carburetor icing,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Conditions conducive to carburetor / induction system icing,
- Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain,
- Partial loss of power on both engines,
- Airport Manager heard the aircraft making three low passes as though attempting NDB approach to runway 05,
- Hit ABT 1,245 feet before runway 12.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Davenport: 6 killed

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1973 at 1704 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft E18
Operator:
Registration:
N310WA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Muscatine - Davenport - Chicago
MSN:
BA-12
YOM:
1954
Location:
Davenport
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
6000
Captain / Total hours on type:
2000.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Davenport Airport, the right wing detached. The twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed in an open field located few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Structural failure of the right wing on descent due to fatigue cracks. The following factors were reported:
- Airframe, wings spars,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Inadequate inspection of aircraft on part of the maintenance personnel,
- Preexisting crack on lower spar cap WS-81 that was discernible but not detected over a 6-year period,
- Right wing folded upward.
Final Report:
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