Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Whitefield: 4 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 2035 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N27522
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burlington - Whitefield
MSN:
31-7852040
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Aircraft flight hours:
1900
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed after executing a missed approach at Whitefield during IMC weather. The aircraft was seen at 300-400 feet agl during some part of the maneuvering near the airport. The aircraft seemed to be heading for the airport when last seen by ground observers. The only indication of trouble was the low altitude of flight. The aircraft crashed at the 2,800 feet level of twin mountain on a heading of 120° at 2035 hours. It was last seen about 2015 hours. No fuel was found in the engine fuel dividers or fuel lines. The inboard tanks were more than half full of fuel. Normal operation calls for takeoff, climb and descent on the inboard tanks. The outboard tanks are used for non-maneuvering flight during cruise. A passenger was seriously injured while four other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: missed approach (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) fluid, fuel - starvation
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) fuel tank selector position - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340 on Mt Bond: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 24, 1974
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N5AM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Whitefield - Rockland
MSN:
340-0010
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
6000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1000.00
Circumstances:
After departure from Whitefield-Mt Washington Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity, turbulences and fog. While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet, he cancelled his IFR flight plan when the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed on Mt Bond located 15 miles south of Whitefield. The wreckage was found later and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent following improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Thunderstorm activity,
- Turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm,
- High obstructions,
- Fog,
- Departed IFR but cancelled the flight plan at 9,000 feet,
- Hit mountain slope at 4,698 feet elevation.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401 in Whitefield: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 26, 1967 at 1250 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3280Q
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
401-0080
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4600
Captain / Total hours on type:
9.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in an isolated area located in the region of Whitefield. The wreckage was found two days later. The aircraft was totally destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, the phenomena observed at autopsy considered the results of impact injuries.
Final Report: