Muskegon

After the pilot finished the preflight inspection in the hangar, the maintenance technician pulled the airplane out of the hangar and connected the auxiliary power cart to the airplane. Shortly thereafter, the pilot boarded the airplane and proceeded with the normal checklist. The pilot signaled to the maintenance technician to disconnect the power cart. The maintenance technician subsequently signaled that the pilot was clear to start the engines. After departure, the pilot noted a problem with the landing gear, and, after establishing that the tow bar was, most likely, still attached to the nosewheel, he diverted to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing. During the landing, the nose landing gear collapsed and the primary structure in the nose of the airplane was substantially damaged.

N6857E was transporting executives from Holland, MI, to Muskegon. The pilot was executing an ASR approach to runway 06. The MDA is 537 feet agl. Copilot called out 1,200 feet then below 1,000 feet, pilot continued approach. Aircraft struck trees two miles from runway at 15 feet agl. The approach was conducted in heavy fog conditions. The pilot had descended below approach minimums on several occasions in the past. A pilot and two passengers were killed while three other occupants were seriously injured.

After takeoff from Muskegon-County Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane lost height and crashed thru the extended centerline of the nearest runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all five occupants were killed.

While in normal cruise over Lake Michigan, the pilot reported engine problems. He lost control of the airplane that entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into Lake Michigan off Muskegon. The wreckage and all five occupants were not recovered.

On final approach to Manitowoc Municipal Airport by night and limited visibility (2 miles), the pilot descended too low when the airplane struck the ground and crashed about a mile short of runway. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

While on approach to Muskegon County Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The aircraft stalled and crashed into Lake Michigan. All four occupants were quickly rescued while the aircraft was lost.

The float plane departed Milwaukee harbor at 1510LT on a flight to Muskegon. About 30 minutes into the flight, while cruising at a height of 200 feet in marginal weather conditions, the engine failed, maybe due to a valve issue according to the pilot. The crew reduced his altitude and ditched the airplane. The crew remained sitting in the cabin for about 5 hours when the right pontoon snapped off and the right wing cracked. The ship started to list and the crew get out on the left wing to balance it. Because the waves were hitting the seaplane hard, it cracked and eventually sank. Both pilots Pat Gossett and Ben Craycraft were rescued by the crew of the USCG vessel named 'Escanaba' shortly before midnight.

Shortly after takeoff from Milwaukee-Maitland Field, while climbing to a height of about 20 feet, the engine failed. The airplane stalled and crashed into Lake Michigan. All seven occupants were rescued and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.