Nacogdoches-A. L. Mangham Jr.

The pilot reported that shortly after lifting off, the airplane began decelerating slowly. He thought the throttles had retarded; however, all of the engine instruments indicated takeoff power. Realizing that he could not return to the airport, the pilot selected a forced landing area and aimed the airplane between two trees. Investigation revealed that both props were at or near feather pitch angles at impact and being driven under power. Both engines had been changed immediately prior to the flight and both ground idle stops had been adjusted after the engine change with the left engine being slaved to the right. The system operated off of a squat switch on the right gear. Misriging of the right engine would be reflected in the left and allow oil pressure to be vented from the domes, which in turn would allow the propeller cylinder springs to drive the props toward feather as the right strut extended during takeoff. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.

At about 1744 cst, before reaching his destination, the pilot reported that during the flight, he had encountered head winds and had only 50 minutes of fuel remaining. He was provided preferential handling, but another flight was also low on fuel. The pilot was cleared for an NDB runway 15 approach. At 1756:49, he acknowledged clearance for the approach. At approximately 1800, unicom advised the current weather was: 700 feet broken, sky obscured with heavy rain, wind variable from 090° to 240° at 24 gusting 29 knots. The pilot did not acknowledge the weather, except to saying a calm voice, 'I hope you have your lights on.' The FBO heard several clicks on the unicom (as if to activate the runway lights), then there was no further radio contact with the aircraft. The aircraft hit trees and crashed about 6 miles west-northwest of the airport. Witnesses reported it was at low altitude and had reversed course before crashing on a southerly heading. The main wreckage came to rest about 380 feet from the initial impact point with trees. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found. About 42 miles south-southeast at Lufkin, the 1751 cst weather was in part: 200 feet overcast, visibility 3/4 mile with thunderstorms, heavy rw and fog, wind from 020° at 12 knots. Approach minimums: 600 feet cig and 1 mile visibility. All five occupants were killed.

After transporting passengers from Longview, TX to Oklahoma City, OK and return to Longview, the aircraft was refueled for a flight back to Nacogdoches, TX, where the aircraft was based. About 12 min after takeoff, the pilot was cleared for an NDB approach to Nacogdoches and instructed to contact the Lufkin FSS for weather and current altimeter setting. During the NDB approach, the aircraft collided with trees, crashed and burned. An investigation revealed no evidence of either an engine or airframe failure or malfunction. Initial impact occurred with trees about 700 yards east of the NDB site. Initially, trees were cut in an upsloping manner where the terrain sloped upwards. Elevation of the crash site was 530 feet msl. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) was 900 feet msl. About 28 miles north, the 1955 cdt weather at Lufkin was, in part: 3,500 feet broken, visibility 5 miles. However, witnesses at Nacogdoches reported considerably lower ceilings, reduced visibility and some hilltops obscured by clouds. A pilot witness reported light rain, fog in the treetops. Reportedly, the airport was below minimums. Both occupants were killed.

About 9 1/2 minutes after departure from Denver-Arapahoe County Airport, while climbing, the crew declared an emergency, reporting airframe icing. The crew was vectored to Denver-Stapleton International Airport when the aircraft entered a controlled descent until it crashed in a prairie located about 13 miles east of Arapahoe Airport, northeast of Parker. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all 10 occupants were killed.