United States of America

Executive/Corporate/Business

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Dallas - New York

MSN:

25180

YOM:

1968

Location:

Lexington-Blue Grass

Kentucky

Country:

Region:

Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600)

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

20565

Aircraft flight hours:

5710

Circumstances:

While en route at FL370, the pilots declared an emergency, reported a fire in the right engine and requested vectors to the nearest suitable airport. They were vectored toward the Lexington-Blue Grass Airport and circled to descend. Shortly after declaring an emergency, the pilots reported they secured the right engine and extinguished the fire light. As the aircraft was on final approach to land, the local controller (using binoculars) confirmed that both the gear and flaps were extended. However, as the aircraft continued onto a short final approach, an increase in its pitch attitude was noted. It then dropped below the level of the runway threshold and impacted in a pasture short of the runway. After initial impact, the aircraft went thru a stone fence, hit 2 utility poles, crossed a highway, came to rest at the perimeter fence and burned. An auto was damaged by debris; 2 occupants received minor injuries. An investigation revealed the aircraft impacted with the gear extended, but the flaps and flap handle were found in the up position. An examination of the right engine revealed its outer exhaust cone was cracked in the vicinity of a fire detection loop. No other preexisting mechanical problems were evident. Both pilots were killed and both passengers were seriously injured.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) exhaust system, exhaust cone/tailpipe (jet engine) - cracked
2. (f) exhaust system, exhaust cone/tailpipe (jet engine) - leak
3. (f) engine compartment - overtemperature
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
4. 1 engine
5. Emergency procedure - intentional
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
6. Precautionary landing - initiated
7. (c) raising of flaps - inadvertent
8. (c) stall/mush - inadvertent - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in Mansfield

Date & Time: Dec 3, 1987 at 2159 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Air Continental

Registration:

N500TS

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Louisville – Cincinnati – Cleveland

MSN:

60-0500-162

YOM:

1978

Location:

Mansfield-Lahm

Ohio

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

6870

Captain / Total hours on type:

1170.00

Aircraft flight hours:

5176

Circumstances:

The pilot departed Louisville, KY reportedly with a known oil leak in the right engine and was on the second leg of an on-demand air taxi cargo flight. About 14 minutes after entering Mansfield approach control airspace, the pilot requested and received an altitude change from 5,000 to 3,000 ft because he 'was picking up a lot of ice.' After entering Cleveland approach airspace he reported the right engine had failed and requested to return to Mansfield. The pilot was informed of Mansfield weather. He then indicated he wanted to try Cleveland, then reported he could not maintain altitude and wanted to go to Mansfield. The pilot was receiving vectors from Mansfield for an ASR approach to runway 23 and at about 1 1/2 miles from the threshold the pilot reported he was lowering the landing gear. The aircraft then disappeared from the radar scope. Investigation revealed improper weld repairs to the right engine case and separation of the number six cylinder from the case due to fatigue cracking in the through bolts and studs.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. 1 engine - failure, total
2. Engine assembly, crankcase - cracked
3. (c) maintenance, major repair - improper - other maintenance personnel
4. (c) engine assembly, other - fatigue
5. (c) engine assembly, cylinder - separation
6. (f) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - continued - pilot in command
7. (f) company-induced pressure - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
8. (f) object - tree(s)
9. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
10. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
11. (f) light condition - dark night
12. (c) in-flight planning/decision - delayed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C90 King Air in Beaufort: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 30, 1987 at 0946 LT

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft 90 King Air

Operator:

Joseph R. Leon

Registration:

N4463W

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Private

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Savannah - Philadelphia

MSN:

LJ-633

YOM:

1974

Location:

Beaufort

South Carolina

Country:

Region:

Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

14000

Aircraft flight hours:

2092

Circumstances:

At 0938, while climbing thru 9,000 feet, the pilot was cleared to climb to FL210. Approximately 10 minutes later, the ATC controller noted the aircraft's mode C return wasn't being displayed on his scope. He tried to advise the pilot, but couldn't establish radio contact. The aircraft broke up in flight and the wreckage was found submerged in a creek and on marshland. A large piece of the right outboard wing panel was found about 2 miles east of the main wreckage. The right engine was found approximately 800 feet to 1,200 feet northeast of the main wreckage in 4 feet of water. There was evidence the right outboard wing had failed from upward and aft overload. No pre-accident mechanical failure or malfunction was found that would have resulted in an in-flight break-up. Radar data showed the aircraft was climbing at 115 knots and 1,100 feet/minute; at approximately 16,000 feet msl, rate of climb slowed to approximately 750 feet/minute, then increased to 1,200 feet/minute. Peak altitude was approximately 18,200 feet. Aircraft then entered a steep descent and crashed. At the approximately time and place of peak altitude, primary targets appeared on radar and remained for several minutes. Organic material was found on left engine inlet screen, but source was not determined. Accident occurred along bird flyway. Both occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: climb
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. Design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded
3. Wing - overload
4. Wing - separation
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
5. Terrain condition - water

Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Long Beach: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 29, 1987 at 1843 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N4369V

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Training

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Carslbad - Long Beach

MSN:

46-8408076

YOM:

1984

Location:

Long Beach

California

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4782

Captain / Total hours on type:

237.00

Circumstances:

During the return flight to San Jose and subsequent descent and approach to the Long Beach Airport, the two pilots experienced, in succession, a failure of the turbocharger system, loss of an alternator, loss of engine oil pressure, an unsafe landing gear indication, and an in-flight fire followed by the loss of engine power during a night time circling approach to an unfamiliar airport in visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft crashed onto the southbound lanes of the San Diego freeway at Long Beach after making a flyby of the tower to confirm the landing gear position. The investigation revealed an improperly installed turbocharger, a cracked manifold exhaust, a burned main power lead, a separated cylinder, and a low fluid level in the hydraulic reservoir. Two years prior to this accident, the instructor pilot made an unintentional gear up landing in another aircraft. One year prior to this accident the FAA revoked the mechanic's inspection authorization.

Probable cause:

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Pilot's failure to land the aircraft after experiencing the pilot's Faulty decision was his previous experience with a gear up landing a Couple of years before.
Findings
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. Exhaust system, turbocharger - failure, partial
2. (f) exhaust system, turbocharger - disengaged
3. (f) engine installation, mounting bolt - separation
4. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company maintenance personnel
5. (f) maintenance, inspection - poor - company maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
6. (f) electrical system, electric wiring - burned
7. Electrical system, alternator - disabled
8. (c) hydraulic system, accumulator - low level
9. Landing gear, gear indicating system - false indication
10. (c) low pass - intentional - pilot in command (cfi)
11. (f) anxiety/apprehension - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #3: fire
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
12. (c) engine assembly, cylinder - fatigue
13. Engine assembly, cylinder - separation
14. Go-around - performed - pilot in command (cfi)
15. (f) judgment - poor - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #4: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
16. (f) fluid, oil - starvation
----------
Occurrence #5: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
17. Light condition - night
18. (c) stall/mush - encountered - pilot in command (cfi)

Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 1900C in Homer: 18 killed

Date & Time: Nov 23, 1987 at 1825 LT

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft 1900C

Operator:

Registration:

N401RA

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Kodiak - Homer - Kenai - Anchorage

MSN:

UB-058

YOM:

1986

Flight number:

XY103

Location:

Homer

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

7087

Captain / Total hours on type:

4420.00

Copilot / Total flying hours:

10532

Copilot / Total hours on type:

300

Circumstances:

During arrival, the aircraft (Ryan flight 103) crashed short of runway 03. The fuselage stayed intact during impact, but the belly structure was compressed and vertical deceleration forces exceeded the design capability of the seats. Rescue personnel had difficulty shutting off the aircraft's electrical power which delayed removal of the 1st officer (f/o) from the aircraft. An investigation revealed the aircraft was loaded with approximately 600 lbs more cargo than the f/o had requested. The center-of-gravity (cg) was 8 to 11 inches behind the allowable aft limit and the flight crew did not comply with company and FAA procedures in computing the cg. During flight, up to 3/8 inches of ice accumulated on the aircraft's leading edges. There was evidence the crew lost control of the aircraft as the flaps were lowered. The right flap actuator was found in the 7 to 12° position and the stabilizer trim was found at the full nose down position. Flight tests showed there would be no significant difficulty in controlling the aircraft with up to 1.5 inch of ice on the leading edges and that static stability would deteriorate during flap extension with the aft cg configuration. Three passengers survived while 18 other occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

The failure of the flight crew to properly supervise the loading of the airplane which resulted in the centre of gravity being displaced to such an aft location that the airplane control was lost when the flaps were lowered for landing.

Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Honolulu

Date & Time: Nov 20, 1987 at 1124 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N27512

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Kona - Honolulu

MSN:

31-7852035

YOM:

1978

Flight number:

PV084

Location:

Honolulu

Hawaii

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

4190

Captain / Total hours on type:

1685.00

Aircraft flight hours:

6315

Circumstances:

The pilot estimated that the aircraft's reduced fuel quantity was adequate for the flight during his preflight inspection. As the aircraft descended for the traffic pattern near the destination airport both engines failed. After the loss of power the pilot executed a forced landing into a park with the landing gear not fully extended. The aircraft impacted the terrain and slid into a fence before coming to a stop.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (c) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
2. (c) fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate - pilot in command
3. (f) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
4. (f) object - fence
5. Gear extension - not attained - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Volpar Turboliner 18 in Saint Clair Shores

Date & Time: Nov 19, 1987 at 1725 LT

Type of aircraft:

Volpar Turboliner 18

Operator:

Registration:

N10AS

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Newark - Detroit

MSN:

N-467

YOM:

1950

Location:

Detroit

Michigan

Country:

Region:

Beechcraft 200 Super King Air

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3080

Captain / Total hours on type:

80.00

Aircraft flight hours:

15800

Circumstances:

While enroute to home base after delivery of revenue cargo, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power in both engines due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed emergency procedures and set the aircraft up for a forced landing in a grassy field on the edge of a lake. The aircraft initially impacted a tree and the rocky berm of the shoreline. The contact with the berm caused the landing gear to break off, the aircraft swerved around and skidded backwards before coming to a rest about 150 feet from the lakeshore. Post accident investigation revealed less than 2 gallons of fuel in each wing tank.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
1. (c) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
2. Engine instruments, fuel quantity gage - incorrect
3. Inattentive - pilot in command
4. (c) planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. Object - tree(s)
6. Terrain condition - berm
7. Terrain condition - rough/uneven
8. Landing gear - collapsed

Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air in Jefferson: 8 killed

Date & Time: Nov 16, 1987 at 0819 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Danpar Aviation

Registration:

N334DP

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Chicago - Baraboo

MSN:

BB-1188

YOM:

1984

Location:

Jefferson

Wisconsin

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

18000

Captain / Total hours on type:

3000.00

Aircraft flight hours:

1050

Circumstances:

While cruising above freezing level at 12,000 feet, the flight was cleared to descend and maintain 9,000 feet. About 1-1/2 minute later, the flight declared a mayday (emergency). Radio and radar contacts were lost and the aircraft crashed in a near vertical descent. Radar data showed that after starting a descent, the aircraft entered a left/descending maneuver. Subsequently, the left outboard wing panel and both engines separated in flight. The last transponder reply was at 2,800 feet. An exam revealed the left wing panel had separated from positive overload. No fatigue or pre-existing crack was found on any fracture area. Also, damage was found on the left engine's inboard cowling that matched damage on the vertical and right horizontal stabilizers; however, sequence of cowling separation was not verified. The separated wing panel and parts of the engine cowling were found about 3/4 mile from the main wreckage. An NTSB trajectory study indicated an inflight separation occurred at an altitude of approximately 5,600 feet as aircraft was heading southeast in a 50 to 70° dive. Elevation trim indicator was found with a full nose up indication. Both pilots were instrument rated. All eight occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
2. Wing - overload
3. (c) design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded
4. Wing - separation
5. Cooling system, cowling - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-9-14 in Denver: 28 killed

Date & Time: Nov 15, 1987 at 1415 LT

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-9

Operator:

Registration:

N626TX

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Denver - Boisé

MSN:

45726

YOM:

1966

Flight number:

CO1713

Location:

Denver-Stapleton

Colorado

Country:

Region: