Region
North America
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USA

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in Atlantic City: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 10, 1987 at 0854 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
Operator:
Samuel Kasdin
Registration:
N814SG
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
61-0157-001
YOM:
1974
Location:
Atlantic City
New Jersey
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2500
Aircraft flight hours:
2919
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll witnesses observed the aircraft swerve from left to right with the engine(s) 'missing' or intermittent. The aircraft lifted off and climbed to approximately 50 feet agl and continued across a waterway in a left turn with the landing gear extended. The aircraft pitched up and rolled left wing down into the water. Examination of the engines revealed a cracked coil in the left magneto of the right engine. No other mechanical malfunction/failure could be determined. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: takeoff - roll/run
Findings
1. 1 engine
2. (f) ignition system, ignition coil - cracked
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
3. (c) emergency procedure - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) aborted takeoff - not performed - pilot in command
5. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - continued - pilot in command
7. (c) airspeed (vmc) - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - water
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Stationair 7 in Crooked Creek: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 8, 1987 at 0930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Registration:
N7371U
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Chuathbaluk - Crooked Creek
MSN:
207-0402
YOM:
1977
Location:
Crooked Creek
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1467
Captain / Total hours on type:
167.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10015
Circumstances:
The aircraft overflew the destination due to fog. The station manager stated that after transmitting to the pilot that the weather was 'zero zero', the pilot stated that he would continue on to Red Devil and she heard it fly overhead. The first pieces of aircraft debris were found 9 miles south of crooked creek along the western shore of the Kuskokwin River at a point where it widened and the surface of the water smoothed out. No impact marks were found along either shore of the river. Other pilots in the area stated that the fog was down to the ground and extended approx 12 miles south of Crooked Creek. The engine, pilot's seat, and aircraft were not recovered.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (c) altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
3. (c) vfr flight into imc - inadvertent - pilot in command
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
5. (f) terrain condition - water
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-3A in Laredo

Date & Time: Jul 28, 1987 at 2102 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-3
Operator:
La Mesa Leasing
Registration:
N39DT
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Laredo - Ciudad del Camargo
MSN:
4871
YOM:
1942
Location:
Laredo
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8500
Captain / Total hours on type:
6000.00
Circumstances:
The left engine failed during initial climb immediately after liftoff. Airspeed could not be maintained with one engine out due to the fact that the aircraft was climbing slowly just above the surface and was loaded to 3,809 pounds above its maximum allowable takeoff gross weight. An emergency landing was attempted but directional control was lost and the aircraft stall/mushed and collided with the terrain alongside the runway. The left eng was examined after the accident and no malfunctions found. Both pilots escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) 1 engine - failure, total
2. Powerplant - undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
3. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (c) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded - pilot in command
5. (c) airspeed(vs) - not possible - pilot in command
6. (c) stall/mush - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: forced landing
Phase of operation: landing
----------
Occurrence #4: main gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
7. (f) landing gear, main gear - overload
8. (f) landing gear, main gear - failure, total
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 in Addison

Date & Time: Jul 27, 1987 at 1101 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Aero Commander 520
Operator:
James L. Leverenz
Registration:
N4164B
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Addison - Addison
MSN:
520-69
YOM:
1953
Location:
Addison
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1176
Captain / Total hours on type:
206.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1920
Circumstances:
Aircraft was destroyed when it struck power lines and the ground during a single engine go-around. Following a left engine shut down due to severe vibrations, the pilot overflew one airport to return to his home base. En route, he elected not to go to full power due to a 3 minutes limitation he did not want to exceed. The pilot overshot the runway while manually extending the nose gear and elected to attempt a right 270° turn to return to final while at 100-150 feet agl. Nose landing did not extend due to hydraulic pump being on left engine and no pressure. During the turn, the pilot lost control and the aircraft struck the wires. Investigation revealed that one of the blade pitch change links on the left prop had disconnected, allowing one blade to free float. The link pin assembly had backed out as a result of the safety screw backing out due to damaged and stripped threads and an improper length screw being installed. Props had 1/4' safety screws installed instead of 3/8'.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) propeller system/accessories, pitch change mech - disconnected
2. Propeller feathering - not possible
3. (c) propeller system/accessories, pitch change mech - stripped thread
4. (c) maintenance, overhaul - inadequate - other maintenance personnel
5. (c) propeller system/accessories, pitch change mech - incorrect
6. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - pilot in command
7. Emergency procedure - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
8. (f) go-around - attempted - pilot in command
9. (c) airspeed (vmc) - not maintained - pilot in command
10. (c) diverted attention - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
11. Object - wire, transmission
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in Crystal City: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 24, 1987 at 1700 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III
Operator:
Hayden W. Head
Registration:
N448
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Beaumont - Crystal City
MSN:
421C-1034
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crystal City
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
11000
Aircraft flight hours:
1375
Circumstances:
The pilot landed downwind on his private strip. The exact amount of the tailwind could not be determined. A thunderstorm was located just to the east of the runway and could have readily given N448 a strong tailwind. The aircraft touched down 390 feet beyond the threshold. Light braking action was evident from that point up to a point 400 feet from a hangar where all tire marks disappeared. The aircraft collided with the hangar, which was built at the end of and across the runway, approximately 10 feet above the runway surface and was destroyed by the subsequent post crash fire. The passenger was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - aborted
Findings
1. (f) object - building (nonresidential)
2. (c) brakes (normal) - improper use of - pilot in command
3. (f) aborted landing - delayed - pilot in command
4. (f) distance - misjudged - pilot in command
5. (f) weather condition - tailwind
6. (c) wrong runway - selected - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: fire
Phase of operation: landing
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560A near Ashland: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 22, 1987 at 1230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Aero Commander 560
Operator:
Jess Lee Terry
Registration:
N2794B
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Medford – San Diego
MSN:
560-0294
YOM:
1956
Location:
Ashland
Oregon
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
923
Captain / Total hours on type:
206.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2175
Circumstances:
The non-instrument rated pilot took off in overcast weather conditions and flew toward a mountain pass that was obscured in clouds. When the flight failed to arrive at the destination, a search was initiated and the wreckage located in a box canyon on the side of a mountain ridgeline. The aircraft had impacted in a vertical nose down attitude. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - obscuration
2. (c) preflight planning/preparation - improper - pilot in command
3. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
4. (c) vfr flight into imc - continued - pilot in command
5. (f) terrain condition - rising
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
6. (c) stall/spin - inadvertent - pilot in command
7. (f) lack of total instrument time - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I in Gordonsville

Date & Time: Jul 22, 1987 at 0930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I
Operator:
Donald A. Henke
Registration:
N9764J
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Gordonsville - Charlottesville
MSN:
421A-0028
YOM:
1967
Location:
Gordonsville
Virginia
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:
1723
Captain / Total hours on type:
201.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1975
Circumstances:
The pilot began taking off from a downward sloping, 2,300 feet runway in light winds. The reported temperature was 92°; the density altitude was about 2,500 feet. The pilot reported the aircraft accelerated normally to V1 speed; however, it hit the tops of trees about 350 to 500 feet beyond the runway, then struck the ground after traveling about another 1,000 feet. Performance charts showed the aircraft would have needed a takeoff distance of 2,200 feet to clear a 50 feet obstacle in calm wind. The pilot reported the wind was from 010° at 3 to 5 knots. A witness reported a 3 to 5 knot tailwind. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
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. (f) weather condition - high density altitude
3. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
4. (f) object - tree(s)
5. Proper altitude - not attained
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402C in Chicago: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 20, 1987 at 2219 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 402
Operator:
Air Maryland
Registration:
N3742C
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Chicago - Kansas City
MSN:
402C-0600
YOM:
1974
Location:
Chicago-Midway
Illinois
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
3200
Aircraft flight hours:
2597
Circumstances:
On initial climb the pilot reported 'just lost one', followed by a loss of control and descent into a residential area. Subsequent investigation revealed a loose connection between the left engine throttle serrated washer and the serrated shaft. The engine had been removed and reinstalled a few flight hours prior to the occurrence. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Failure of maintenance personnel to perform proper installation of the left throttle linkage.
Findings:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) induction air control, linkage - loose
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - other maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff
Findings
3. (c) propeller feathering - not performed - pilot in command
4. (c) airspeed (vmc) - disregarded - pilot in command
5. (f) light condition - dark night
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
6. Object - wire, static
7. Object - building (nonresidential)
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air in South Lake Tahoe: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 17, 1987 at 1930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 200 Super King Air
Operator:
Skywater Lodge
Registration:
N1870S
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Hayward - South Lake Tahoe
MSN:
BB-1106
YOM:
1983
Location:
South Lake Tahoe
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
3995
Captain / Total hours on type:
381.00
Aircraft flight hours:
478
Circumstances:
While on an instrument flight plan in IMC, the flight was cleared for an instrument approach to the South Lake Tahoe Airport, the intended destination. The aircraft departed the initial approach fix on the published transition to the final approach course. Radar contact was lost at 11,400 feet. Afterward, the aircraft was observed descending out of clouds and maneuvering erratically in VMC until it impacted terrain with no apparent attempt to recover. Medical records revealed pilot had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and recent loss of 41 pounds on a rigid weight loss program. The autopsy revealed severe arteriosclerosis. Medical records indicated the pilot had been taking diazide intermittently for several years. Post-accident tox results were negative. The circumstances of the accident, in combination with the pilot's severe diet, medical history, and postmortem examination results support the conclusion that the pilot became incapacitated in flight. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr)
Findings
1. (c) incapacitation(other cardiovascular) - pilot in command
Final Report:
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