Crash of a Canadair CL-44D4-6 in Aguadilla

Date & Time: Dec 1, 1992
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N100BB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Miami - Aguadilla
MSN:
29
YOM:
1961
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On approach to Aguadilla-Rafael Hernández, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with heavy rain falls and thunderstorm activity. On final, the aircraft was struck by lightning. The crew was able to continue the descent but the aircraft landed hard, bounced and came to a halt on the main runway. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Casa 212 Aviocar 200 in Mayaguez: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 1992 at 1434 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N355CA
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Juan - Mayaguez
MSN:
234
YOM:
1982
Flight number:
AA5456
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
6634
Captain / Total hours on type:
2634.00
Aircraft flight hours:
14135
Circumstances:
The airplane crashed on approach 3/4 mile southwest of the airport. A witness heard sound he associated with props going into reverse, then observed airplane emerge from clouds in a nose-low attitude. CVR tape revealed sound of an abrupt change in frequency and amplitude 10 seconds prior to impact. Exam of the left engine beta indicator lamp revealed heavy oxide deposit and stretched coils indicative of the lamp being illuminated at impact; right engine beta lamp was destroyed. Power levers and (beta mode) trigger locks operated normally; trigger return springs intact. Flight idle stops showed no evidence of excessive wear or deformation. The power lever (beta) blocking device lockout solenoid was tested electrically and functioned normally. The rigging of the beta lockout device could not be checked due to impact damage. The operator conducted a funct test of the electrical or backup beta blocking devices on the remaining 8 Casa 212 airplanes; 3 were found to be inoperative. Neither the manufacturing nor operator had an inspection or funct test requirement for the blocking devices. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of the beta blocking device for undetermined reason(s), and the second-pilot's inadvertent activation of the power lever, or levers, aft of the flight idle position and into the beta range, resulting in a loss of airplane control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-54Q Skymaster in Aguadilla

Date & Time: Feb 3, 1992
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N74AF
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
22199
YOM:
1945
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was transferring the aircraft from a parking space to another one at Aguadilla Airport. While on a taxiway, the aircraft suffered hydraulic problems. The pilot lost control of the airplane that collided with a parked Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation operated by Aerolineas Mundo (AMSA) and registered HI-542CT. The C-54 continued and eventually came to rest in a ditch. The pilot was uninjured while both aircraft were damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during taxiing following hydraulic problems.

Crash of a Douglas R4D-7 in Aguadilla: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 10, 1991 at 1120 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N134FS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Aguadilla - Ponce
MSN:
16551/33299
YOM:
1945
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3068
Captain / Total hours on type:
873.00
Circumstances:
The airplane sustained a partial loss of engine power on the left engine on takeoff climb due to the failure of the n°8 engine assembly cylinder. The airplane was observed by witnesses at 400 feet agl in a 20° left bank while maneuvering to return to the departure airport. The angle of bank increased to 60° with a noticeable decrease in airspeed while the airplane descended below 300 feet agl. The left wing dropped 90° to the left and the nose pitched down vertically. The airplane appeared to regain elevator authority and leveled out before encountering a secondary stall. The airplane collided with the terrain and was destroyed by post crash fire. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed (VS) after a partial loss of engine power on the left engine due to failure of the n°8 engine assembly cylinder. This resulted in an in flight loss of control (stall), and in flight collision with terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair CV-240-23 off Puerto Rico: 2 killed

Date & Time: Sep 30, 1990
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HI-376CT
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Juan - Santo Domingo
MSN:
177
YOM:
1950
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a cargo flight from San Juan to Santo Domingo, the aircraft suffered a structural failure and crashed in the sea off Puerto Rico. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
It is understood that modifications were performed to the main cargo door and that the aircraft suffered a sudden decompression after the door failed in flight because modifications were not completed according to procedures.

Crash of a Lockheed C-121S Super Constellation off Levittown: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1990 at 1745 LT
Operator:
Registration:
HI-515CT
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Juan - Santo Domingo
MSN:
4192
YOM:
1956
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Aircraft flight hours:
16822
Circumstances:
The captain of the airplane elected to take off on a three engine ferry flight without authorization. During the three engine climb out with the n°3 propeller feathered, the n°2 engine caught fire and he could not extinguish the fire. He attempted to return and during the descent the n°1 engine failed. He then intentionally ditched the airplane in the ocean, and received fatal injuries. The airplane was not recovered from the ocean and no determination of cause could be ascertained.
Probable cause:
Fire of an undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of power in two engines during a three engine ferry flight. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain the required authorization for the three engine ferry flight, and his operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-49J in San Juan

Date & Time: Mar 1, 1989 at 1614 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N28PR
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Basseterre - San Juan
MSN:
6323
YOM:
1943
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
24067
Captain / Total hours on type:
6467.00
Aircraft flight hours:
36115
Circumstances:
The crew of an all cargo flight experienced a failure of the left engine while in the traffic pattern at their destination. They raised the landing gear but failed to feather the left propeller and failed to trim the aircraft. The resulting skid and increased drag made further flight impossible. The crew elected to ditch the aircraft in a lagoon about 2 miles southwest of the airport. The aircraft was not recovered from the lagoon and therefore it was not determined why the left engine lost power. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
The failure of the flight crew to feather the left propeller and trim the aircraft after the left engine stopped producing power for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in San Juan: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 20, 1988 at 1252 LT
Registration:
N90360
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Juan - San Juan
MSN:
60-0212-093
YOM:
1975
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7391
Captain / Total hours on type:
11.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2958
Circumstances:
As the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, witnesses noted the left rear baggage door was unlocked and hanging down. A warning was relayed to the pilot via the tower, but by then the aircraft was airborne and the pilot had reported a control problem. During lift-off, the aircraft pitched up sharply and entered an immediate right bank of about 45°. As the gear retracted, the bank angle decreased to about 20°. The aircraft was reported to yaw slightly from side to side and circle to the right while climbing to about 1,000 feet. A witness (in radio contact) asked the pilot about the problem; the pilot replied the controls (ctls) were locked to one side. On advice of others, the pilot tried to control the aircraft with engine power adjustments, but the aircraft lost altitude to about 200 feet agl. Subsequently, while maneuvering, it struck a tree, then hit a utility pole and crashed. During impact the lower fuselage, which housed the flight control linkages, was badly damaged. No preimpact mechanical problem was verified concerning the flight controls, autopilot or trim. A pilot, who had previously flown the aircraft with the baggage door open, said he experienced no adverse control problems. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) aircraft preflight - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) door - open
3. (c) flight control system - undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
4. (f) object - tree(s)
5. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Casa 212 Aviocar 200 in Mayaguez: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1987 at 0650 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N432CA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Juan - Mayaguez
MSN:
271
YOM:
1982
Flight number:
AA5452
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
9802
Captain / Total hours on type:
473.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4473
Copilot / Total hours on type:
459
Aircraft flight hours:
6264
Aircraft flight cycles:
11774
Circumstances:
On May 8, 1987, flight 5452, a commuter flight regularly scheduled to depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 0615 local time, for a flight to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, departed at 0620 with four passengers and two crewmembers. The captain was 15 minutes late when he arrived for the flight at 0600. The first officer arrived on time at 0545. The airplane, a CASA C-212~CC, was operated by Executive Air Charter, Inc., doing business as American Eagle. The flight was on a visual flight rules flight plan, and communications with the flight en route were reported to have been routine. The first officer handled the initial radio communications, and the captain made subsequent radio communications. While in the vicinity of Mayaguez, the captain cancelled the flight plan and proceeded to make a visual approach to runway 9. The captain did not make the customary in-range call to the operations agent at Mayaguez to report the flight’s arrival estimate and fuel requirements. Witnesses who observed the airplane on its downwind leg reported that it appeared normal. One witness said the airplane seemed too fast on the approach and appeared to overshoot the extended centerline on the baseleg turn to final. Another said the airplane “turned tighter” and did not extend the downwind leg as normal. He said as the airplane came toward him, the nose rose up quickly and then the airplane rolled to the right and nosed over. A third witness said the airplane made a violent turn, and he thought the engine noise was louder than normal. A fourth confirmed that the airplane made a shortened downwind leg, making a continuous left turn and sinking fast. He said that it turned rapidly to the right and nosed down and struck the ground. He then saw it pivot around and slide backwards. He stated that fire began when the right wing and engine separated from the airplane. A fifth witness, a company baggage handler, said he heard an explosion and saw flames come out of the right engine before it turned twice and struck the ground. A crop duster pilot reported that everything appeared normal until the airplane was about 1,000 feet from the runway and about 100 feet above the ground. He said at that point, he heard a sound similar to that of a turbo propeller airplane going into reverse pitch to slow down after landing. He said the airplane then yawed to the right, followed by a roll to the left, as if the pilot had attempted to counteract the yaw. The airplane then rolled back to the right and the right wing tip struck the ground. A fire erupted immediately, the airplane turned about 1800, and it came to rest upright. The four passengers on board reported that the flight was routine until the approach into Mayaguez. One passenger seated in 3A noticed that the noise from the engines was lower than usual and that it was not the normal engine sound. He thought afterward that perhaps an engine had stopped and that the noise was different on the right. He said the airplane was not shaking or vibrating. A second passenger seated in 4C reported that the airplane lost altitude abruptly and that it fell rapidly as it banked to the left on the approach. He said he heard strange sounds from the left side and that it was an engine or scraping noise. He stated that he saw a 1 l/2- to 2-foot long flame come from the left engine, but that it did not appear to be spreading. He reported that the airplane jerked before it hit the ground. The third passenger, seated in 6A, reported that she heard an unusual metallic sound similar to a landing gear retracting or extending immediately before the crash. The fourth passenger in seat 78 was asleep and did not awaken until the crash. He said that he thought the airplane made a hard or gear-up landing.
Probable cause:
Improper maintenance in setting propeller flight idle blade angle and engine fuel flow resulting in a loss of control from an asymmetric power condition. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's unstabilized visual approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter in San Juan: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 29, 1986 at 1310 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N778L
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Juan - San Juan
MSN:
83
YOM:
1955
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8000
Aircraft flight hours:
6290
Circumstances:
Witnesses stated that the aircraft used most of the runway to takeoff, reached an approximately altitude of 60 feet, then pulled up to clear an embankment. However, the aircraft struck a tall palm tree and crashed between 2 roads, near an intersection, where the roads merged. The cargo was removed from the acft and weighed. Computations showed that the maximum allowable gross weight of the acft was exceeded by approximately 1,928 lbs. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was evident. The passenger was injured and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded - pilot in command
3. (f) object - tree(s)
4. Clearance - not attained
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report: