Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680T in Concord: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 3, 1985
Registration:
N17690
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
680-1577-31
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
On 12/3/85 at approximately 0830, the aircraft was found lying inverted in a canal adjacent to the airport where it had been on 24 hour standby for medical flights. Twelve days later, the pilot's body was also found in the canal. An investigation revealed the aircraft had been taken sometime during a period when the tower was closed between 2200 pst on 12/2/85 and 0600 pst the next morning, without the knowledge or consent of the operator. Main gear tire marks were found in mud where the aircraft had continued off the departure end of the runway. Beyond the end of the runway, the aircraft hit a fence and a 5 feet dirt bank, then hit the ground after being airborne about 200 feet and came to rest in the canal. Sheriff's personnel contacted friends of the pilot, who had spent the evening with him. Base on information that they provided concerning the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the sheriff's personnel stated that the pilot would have been legally intoxicated. The overrun was presumed to have occurred during either a landing or a takeoff on 12/3/85.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: overrun
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
1. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
2. (c) impairment (alcohol) - pilot in command
3. Stolen aircraft/unauthorized use
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. (c) planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
6. (f) object - fence
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
7. (f) terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31P-350 Mojave in Denver

Date & Time: Dec 1, 1985 at 1808 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N9250Y
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
El Paso – Denver
MSN:
31-8414029
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1050
Captain / Total hours on type:
212.00
Aircraft flight hours:
296
Circumstances:
The pilot had been flying approximately 7 hours and was completing the flight at night when the accident occurred. He was using visual cues (the airport environment) to position the aircraft at a proper altitude for a visual approach and landing. The terrain south of the airport rises several hundred feet above the airport elevation. The terrain is sparsely lit. The aircraft touched down two miles short of runway 34R in an open pasture at an elevation of approximately 400 feet higher than the airport. The pilot had flown approximately one hour of night time in the last 90 days, according to his logbook. All three occupants were injured, two seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (c) became lost/disoriented - inadvertent - pilot in command
3. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
4. (f) fatigue - pilot in command
5. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
6. (f) lack of recent experience in type operation - pilot in command
7. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
8. Terrain condition - rising
9. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Franktown

Date & Time: Dec 1, 1985 at 1732 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N249JM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nashville – Chanute – Aspen
MSN:
421B-0124
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8200
Captain / Total hours on type:
3.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6035
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Nashville, TN, for a flight to Aspen, CO. The pilots made one refueling stop at Chanute, KS. The pilots were unable to land at Aspen or a nearby alternate airport (Eagle, CO) and elected to return back to the Denver area. The pilots indicated to an ARTCC controller that they were low fuel. Before they could reach an airport the pilot told the controller they had engine failure and thought they had run out of fuel. During the emergency descent the aircraft struck an electrical power pole, power lines and then the ground. Inspection of the aircraft revealed 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remaining in each main fuel tank. All six occupants were injured, three seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (c) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
2. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (f) fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate - pilot in command
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
6. Terrain condition - soft
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 60 Duke in Lakeland

Date & Time: Dec 1, 1985 at 0840 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N7080D
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bartow – Saint Petersburg
MSN:
P-30
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3381
Captain / Total hours on type:
1458.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1461
Circumstances:
The pilot stated that he experienced a loss of power in both engines, made an emergency landing in a cow pasture, and struck a cow on landing rollout. Due to the extent of post crash fire no determination could be made as to the nature of the malfunction of the engines described by the pilot.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
2. Object - animal(s)
3. Fluid, fuel - fire
Final Report:

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

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1985 at 0541 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N220F
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Morristown - Warwick
MSN:
LJ-981
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
13005
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1472
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed about nine miles short of the runway during an ILS approach to Warwick, RI in IMC weather. The aircraft had been cleared to descend from 13,000 to 3,000 feet. The aircraft crashed outside the outer marker. The copilot had reported the aircraft as inside the outer marker. The crew did not report any aircraft problems. The approach procedure requires that the flight cross the outer marker at 1,800 feet msl five miles from touchdown. Minimum weather is 200 feet ceiling and 1/2 mile visibility. Surface observation at time of the accident was 300 feet overcast with 1 1/2 mile visibility. Post accident exam of the wreckage failed to disclose any malfunctions or failures in the equipment. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr)
Findings
1. Object - tree(s)
2. (c) ifr procedure - not used - pilot in command
3. (c) decision height - below - pilot in command
4. Altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S in Des Moines: 7 killed

Date & Time: Nov 25, 1985 at 1742 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N81589
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee - Des Moines
MSN:
500-3297
YOM:
1976
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
7020
Captain / Total hours on type:
1553.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3185
Circumstances:
N81589 was following a Boeing 727 on ILS approach in IFR conditions. Approximately 2.5 miles from runway, N81589 suddenly deviated left nearly 90°. 39 seconds later, pilot reported he encountered severe turbulences, then said he was trying to climb. N81589 subsequently flew thru tree tops on rising terrain for approximately 2 city blocks, then hit power lines and a pole and crashed against a tree. No evidence of turbulences due to weather at/near approach altitude. Investigation showed 4.7 miles separation between aircraft when the 727 passed the point of deviation (pod). At pod, the 727 was on the ILS glide slope at 850 feet; N81589's altitude was not determined. Wind was from 120° at 3 to 6 knots, shifting more southerly withalt. Prevailing visibility was 1/2 mile; RVR for runway 12L was 6,000 feet; light rime icing was reported. Witnesses heard power interruption of one engine at pod; but there was no indication of power loss where aircraft hit trees. Radar data showed aircraft slowed to 80 knots at pod, accelerated to 100 knots during deviation, slowed to 70 knots before impact; vmca was 74 knots. Safety board believes the pilot most likely lost control due to slow speed and light airframe icing; possibly encountered wake turbulences. No reason found for loss of engine power. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - rain
5. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
6. (c) wing - ice
----------
Occurrence #2: altitude deviation,uncontrolled
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
7. (f) airspeed - reduced - pilot in command
8. (c) airspeed - inadequate - pilot in command
9. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
10. Descent - uncontrolled
11. Directional control - not maintained
12. Remedial action - initiated
13. Level off - performed
----------
Occurrence #3: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
14. (f) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
15. (f) terrain condition - rising
16. Proper climb rate - not possible
17. Stall/mush
18. (f) object - tree(s)
19. (f) object - wire, transmission
20. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #5: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair VC-131H Samaritan at Dothan AFB: 4 killed

Date & Time: Nov 15, 1985
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
542817
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Dothan - Dothan
MSN:
221
YOM:
1955
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The crew (two pilots and two engineers) departed Dothan AFB for a local post maintenance test flight. Just after liftoff, the elevators jammed. The aircraft went out of control and crashed. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Elevators jammed on takeoff for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Cessna 402C in Detroit: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 12, 1985 at 0208 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N6788Y
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Teterboro - Detroit - Chicago
MSN:
402C-0433
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4900
Captain / Total hours on type:
350.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2607
Circumstances:
A 100-feet ceiling with 3,000 feet RVR existed at Detroit. The pilot attempted an ILS approach with a 200 feet dh when he struck trees one mile from the runway. He flew the aircraft to the airfield but crashed near the threshold. The only approach plates found onboard were for Detroit and Midway in Chicago. Midway was his final destination after Detroit. He did not have enough fuel to get to Midway. The rest of his approach plates were later found in his personal vehicle back in Pennsylvania. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) object - tree(s)
2. (c) ifr procedure - improper use of - pilot in command
3. (f) information unavailable - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
5. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inattentive - pilot in command
6. (f) self-induced pressure - pilot in command
7. (c) not performed - pilot in command
8. (c) visual lookout - reduced - pilot in command
9. (c) minimum descent altitude - not followed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
10. (f) flt control syst, aileron control - loss, partial
11. (f) directional control - not possible - pilot in command
12. (f) flight control, aileron surface - loss, partial
13. (f) wing,wingtip - loss, total
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest II in Latrobe: 5 killed

Date & Time: Nov 11, 1985 at 1804 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N59MD
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rockford - Derry
MSN:
441-0177
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1760
Circumstances:
During arrival, the pilot was advised the destination weather was: estimated 500 feet overcast, visibility one mile with fog, airport below minimums. The pilot elected to make an NDB runway 23 approach, but said he would divert if a missed approach was made. He was provided radar vectors and was cleared for the approach. At the IAF (initial apch fix/tiney intersection), radar service was terminated and the pilot was told to contact tower. On tower frequency, the pilot was again reminded the airport was below minimums. Approximately two minutes later, he reported over the outer marker (OM) which was 4.2 miles past (southwest of) the NSB/final approach fix (FAF) and 3.9 miles northeast of the airport. Seconds later, the tower transmitted info (just recorded from ARTCC) that the aircraft was 2-1/2 mi east of course. Tower tried to notify the pilot, but radio and radar contact were lost. Investigations revealed the aircraft impacted a ridge nearly 4 miles past the NDB and two miles left of course at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet, but before passing the OM. Minimum descent altitude (MDA) between the NDB and OM was 2,220 feet msl. MDA after passing the OM was 1,940 feet; airport elevation was 1,161 feet. No preimpact aircraft problems were found. The NDB facility operated satisfactorily during flight and ground checks. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
5. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
7. (c) proper alignment - not maintained - pilot in command
8. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
9. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
10. (f) terrain condition - rising
Final Report:

Crash of a Dassault Falcon 50 in Teterboro: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 10, 1985 at 1722 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N784B
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Morristown - Teterboro
MSN:
118
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
8265
Captain / Total hours on type:
817.00
Circumstances:
A Dassault Falcon 50 jet (N784B) and an Air Pegasus Piper PA-28-181 Archer (N1977H) collided about 1500 feet over the towns of Fairview and Cliffside Park, New Jersey, USA. The Falcon 50 was cleared for a standard instrument approach procedure in visual meteorological conditions and was in a left turn to position itself on the downwind leg to runway 19 at the Teterboro Airport, and the PA-28 was transiting the airport traffic area from west to east when they collided. The accident occurred 4 1/2 miles east-southeast at the edge of the airport traffic area in visual meteorological conditions. Both airplanes had been in radio contact with the Teterboro control tower. The flightcrew, the only occupants aboard the Falcon 50, and the pilot and two passengers onboard the PA-28 were killed. The Falcon 50 crashed into an apartment building killing one resident and seriously injuring two bystanders.
Probable cause:
A breakdown in air traffic control coordination which resulted in an air traffic conflict and the inability of the DA50 flightcrew to ‘see and avoid' the other aircraft due to:
- An erroneous and inadequate traffic advisory and
- The physiological limitations of human vision and reaction time at night.
Air traffic control management contributed to the accident by failing to insure that controllers were following prescribed procedures and by failing to recognize and correct operational deficiencies.
Final Report: