Zone
Texas

Crash of a Beechcraft A90 King Air in Fentress

Date & Time: Oct 17, 2003 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 90 King Air
Operator:
Registration:
N511BF
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Skydiving / Paratroopers
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
LJ-179
YOM:
1966
Location:
Fentress
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1127
Captain / Total hours on type:
247.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10399
Circumstances:
The airplane lost engine power during descent. The 1,127-hour pilot elected to perform emergency engine out procedures and prepared for an emergency landing. After impact, the pilot observed the right engine nacelle engulfed in flames, which then spread to the fuselage. Review of the engine logbook revealed the engine was being operated in excess of 1,000 hours of the manufacturer's recommended time between overhauls of 3,600 hours. The airplane received post-impact fire damage. Further examination of the engine revealed severe fire damage, but no mechanical deficiencies.
Probable cause:
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA227TT Merlin IIIC in San Marcos

Date & Time: Mar 24, 1981 at 1100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Swearingen SA226T Merlin III
Operator:
Registration:
N1011R
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
T-303E
YOM:
1979
Location:
San Marcos
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7922
Captain / Total hours on type:
112.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local test flight at San Marcos Airport. Following several circuits, the crew initiated a new approach with the copilot at controls. Due to an improper level off, the twin engine airplane landed hard and came to rest. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing caused by an improper level off on part of the pilot at controls and an inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command. This was a manufacturer's test flight with an FAA copilot at controls.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III in San Marcos

Date & Time: May 31, 1979 at 1042 LT
Type of aircraft:
Swearingen SA226T Merlin III
Operator:
Registration:
N5654M
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
T-303
YOM:
1979
Location:
San Marcos
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5300
Captain / Total hours on type:
6.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was engaged in a local experimentation flight at San Marcos Airport on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the last segment, at level off, the airplane landed hard and struck the runway surface. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the airplane came on its belly. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing following improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper level off,
- Overload failure,
- FAA flight test pilot at controls.
Final Report:

Crash of a Ford 4 in San Marcos

Date & Time: Feb 8, 1930
Type of aircraft:
Ford 4
Operator:
D. A. Seitz
Registration:
NC2492
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
4-AT-006
YOM:
1927
Location:
San Marcos
Texas
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
Circumstances:
Upon landing at San Marcos Airport, one of the main gear failed. The aircraft veered off runway and came to rest. All seven occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Failure of an undercarriage upon landing for unknown reasons.
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