Crash of a Convair CV-580 in Pittsburgh

Date & Time: Aug 20, 1971 at 2040 LT
Type of aircraft:
Convair CV-580
Operator:
Registration:
N5844
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Pittsburgh – Parkersburg – Cincinnati
MSN:
43
YOM:
1952
Location:
Pittsburgh-Intl
Pennsylvania
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
50
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8300
Captain / Total hours on type:
4100.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was performing a flight from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati with an intermediate stop in Parkersburg. Upon landing at Parkersburg Airport, West Virginia, the crew encountered technical problems with the right main gear. The captain increased engine power and decided to return to Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport for a safe landing. Upon touchdown on runway 28R, as the wheels were missing on the right main gear, the airplane deviated from the centerline to the right when the left main gear collapsed as well. The airplane came to rest and was damaged beyond repair while all 53 occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
The right main gear lower assembly separated at Parkersburg Airport after a worn lock pin in the upper bearing sheared. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh. Failure of the landing gear, main gear-shock absorbing, assy, struts, attachments, etc.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft G18S in Pittsburgh

Date & Time: Nov 12, 1970 at 1817 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft G18S
Operator:
Rambar Aviation
Registration:
N871MP
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Parkersburg - Pittsburgh
MSN:
BA-610
YOM:
1962
Location:
Pittsburgh-Intl
Pennsylvania
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
1800.00
Circumstances:
While approaching Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport by night, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck tree tops and crashed 3 miles short of runway. All seven occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Improper IFR operation on part of the crew who misread or failed to read the instruments on approach. The airplane hit the ground 3 miles short of runway, about 950 feet below glide slope.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401 in Piketon: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 17, 1969 at 0920 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 401
Operator:
Registration:
N8167F
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Cincinnati - Parkersburg
MSN:
401-0236
Location:
Piketon
Ohio
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
8477
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Circumstances:
En route, the right engine caught fire that spread to the right wing. An aileron detached, causing the airplane to be uncontrollable. The pilot informed ATC and elected to make an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in flames in an open field located in Piketon. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent following the failure of the right engine turbocharger in flight. Escaping heat ignited fuel and oil lines caused the aileron to burn and detach. The following factors were reported:
- Powerplant, engine accessories failure,
- Material failure, fire in engine and wing,
- Separation in flight.
Final Report:

Crash of a Dassault Falcon 20C in Parkersburg: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 13, 1968 at 0742 LT
Type of aircraft:
Dassault Falcon 20
Operator:
M Air
Registration:
N1846
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Parkersburg - Parkersburg
MSN:
47
YOM:
1966
Location:
Parkersburg
West Virginia
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
12704
Captain / Total hours on type:
695.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was involved in a local training flight at Parkersburg-Wood County Wilson Airport, carrying four passengers and two pilots who were conducting touch-and-go maneuvers. Following a circuit, the pilot-in-command landed on a contaminated runway (slush, snow and ice). After touchdown, he attempted to takeoff when control was lost. The airplane veered off runway and crashed in flames on a dirt bank. It was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot made touch and go landing to check braking action and after touchdown, allowed insufficient runway distance to execute a go around as he misjudged the distance available.
Final Report:
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