Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690 in Greenville: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jan 17, 1984 at 0738 LT
Registration:
N81717
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rome - Greenville
MSN:
690-11445
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
13834
Captain / Total hours on type:
1126.00
Aircraft flight hours:
11540
Circumstances:
As the pilot was making an ILS approach in IMC weather, the aircraft descended into trees and crashed about 1-1/2 mi from the runway threshold. The decision height for this approach was 1,316 feet msl and was located less than a mile from the threshold. A controller said that the last altitude readout he remembers for the aircraft was 1,200 feet at about 2 miles from threshold. When the radar target disappeared from the display, the controller asked for a position report, but received no reply. The 0740 est weather at Greenville, SC, was in part: sky condition zero obscured, visibility zero with fog, wind calm. The elevation of the crash site was 980 feet msl. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
Findings
1. (c) IFR procedure - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
5. (c) decision height - misjudged - pilot in command
6. (c) missed approach - delayed - pilot in command
7. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Fokker F27 Friendship 100 in New York

Date & Time: Jan 13, 1984 at 1442 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N148PM
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
New York - Ottawa
MSN:
10108
YOM:
1958
Flight number:
PM035
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
21
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7012
Captain / Total hours on type:
799.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3151
Copilot / Total hours on type:
197
Aircraft flight hours:
42040
Aircraft flight cycles:
39945
Circumstances:
At 1442 on January 13, 1984, Pilgrim Airline Flight 35, a scheduled 14 CFR Part 121 flight with 21 passengers and a crew of three took off from runway 04L at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York, en route to Ottawa, Canada. The weather was, in part, ceiling 2,700 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles; wind, 050° at I4 knots; and temperature 26°. As the captain raised the landing gear, the propeller on the left engine autofeathered. The captain initiated emergency procedures and told the first officer that he was retarding the power lever for the left engine. Concurrently, according to the cockpit voice recorder, the right engine experienced a power loss, and the airplane began to descend. The first officer, who was flying the airplane, maintained directional control, and the captain immediately put the landing gear lever down. however, the airplane struck the runway before the landing gear extended fully, and slid about 1,200 feet before stopping near the intersection of taxiway "G" and runway 04L. The captain and 13 passengers incurred minor injuries, and the flight attendant incurred a fracture of the spine. The airplane was damaged substantially; there was no postcrash fire.
Probable cause:
The flight crew's failure to use engine anti-ice on the inbound flight to JFK, the captain's failure to conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection, and the flight crew's decision to use engine anti-ice on take-off from JFK which led to power losses on both engines.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 411A in Gainesville

Date & Time: Jan 12, 1984 at 1830 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4500Q
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Conroe - Gainesville
MSN:
411-0300
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed while on an ILS approach to the Gainsville Airport. Investigation revealed that the pilot had advised approach control that he was 'low on fuel.' After two missed approaches the pilot radioed that he was 'out of fuel.' The pilot did not have charts or approach plates aboard the aircraft, however ATC was not aware of this factor. Attempts to acquire additional information from the pilot have been unsuccessful. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
Findings
1. (f) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
2. (c) preflight planning/preparation - improper - pilot in command
3. (c) fuel system - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-20-DK in Saint Louis: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 9, 1984 at 2232 LT
Operator:
Registration:
C-GSCA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saint Louis - Toronto
MSN:
15745/27190
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1350.00
Aircraft flight hours:
17933
Circumstances:
After landing, the pilot-in-command (pic) placed a refueling order to fill the aircraft's two 210 gallons main tanks for a return flight to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After the cargo was unloaded and the aircraft was refueled, the aircrew aborted the 1st two attempts to takeoff due to slow aircraft performance. Engine run-ups were performed after each abort and reportedly, the engines checked normal. After the 2nd aborted takeoff, the aircrew called the fbo and requested that the refueler be asked what type of fuel was added. The response was '100LL Avgas.' On the 3rd attempt to depart, the aircraft took off, but both engines lost power as the landing gear was retracted. The aircrew selected a highway on which to land. However, the left wing hit a utility pole, then the aircraft went thru a fence and hit a highway embankment. Investigation revealed that Jet-A fuel had been added to the aircraft rather than 100LL fuel. The truck containing Jet-A fuel looked similar to the one with 100LL Avgas, but was properly designated with fuel grade markings. A pilot was killed, the second was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) fluid,fuel - improper
2. (c) maintenance, service of aircraft/equipment - improper - fbo personnel
3. Aircraft performance, two or more engines - inoperative
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
4. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #4: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
5. (f) object - fence
----------
Occurrence #5: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
6. (f) terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T207A Skywagon in Zolfo Springs: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 7, 1984 at 0700 LT
Registration:
N73180
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Zolfo Springs - Homestead
MSN:
207-0567
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
11730
Aircraft flight hours:
1473
Circumstances:
The aircraft collided with trees and the ground during takeoff in IMC weather. The visibility was zero due to ground fog. There were no known witnesses to the accident but there was evidence of a collision with a 60 feet high tree at the end of the 3,000 feet runway. It was not determined whether the pilot used all of the runway. After the collision with the tree the aircraft hit the ground in a left bank and cartwheeled. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - obscuration
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
5. (f) object - tree(s)
6. (c) clearance - not attained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in Garfield

Date & Time: Jan 2, 1984 at 1140 LT
Registration:
N6081Q
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
61P-0751-8063371
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9103
Captain / Total hours on type:
3250.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4814
Circumstances:
The aircraft was forced to land on a road due to a fire in the left wing. During the investigation of the accident it was found that the left turbocharger had been removed and reinstalled several times. A clamp on the turbocharger exhaust was improperly installed and not aligned properly. This allowed hot gases to be diverted and blow on the firewall and melt a fuel line which started the fire. The pilot, sole on board, escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: fire
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) exhaust system, clamp - improper
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company maintenance personnel
3. (c) fuel system, line - burned
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
----------
Occurrence #3: complete gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
4. (f) landing gear, main gear attachment - overload
Final Report:

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

Date & Time: Dec 23, 1983 at 1406 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N35206
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Anchorage - Kenai
MSN:
31-7952193
YOM:
1979
Flight number:
XE059
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5115
Captain / Total hours on type:
3550.00
Circumstances:
A Piper PA-31, N35206, (South Central Air flight 59) was cleared to taxi to runway 06L. The weather at that time was foggy with about 1/8 mile visibility, but the RVR was improving and the airport was expected soon to be acceptable for takeoffs. The PA-31 crew taxied and waited in the holding area for the visibility to improve. A Douglas DC-10, HL7339, Korean Air Lines flight 084, was cleared to runway 32; however, while taxiing in the fog, the DC-10 crew inadvertently taxied to runway 06L/24R. Tower personnel were unable to see the aircraft in the fog and were unaware of the DC-10's position. The DC-10 was cleared to take-off on runway 32 and the PA-31 was cleared to hold on runway 06L. The DC-10 crew taxied on runway 24R and began taking off toward the PA-31 with 2,400 feet of runway remaining. Its estimated takeoff distance was 8,150 feet. Subsequently, the DC-10 collided with the PA-31, continued off the runway and hit stanchion lights, small trees and rough terrain. An investigation revealed the DC-10 pilot did not confirm his position by using his compass and that there was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot of Korean Air Lines Flight 084 to follow accepted procedures during taxi, which caused him to become disoriented while selecting the runway; the failure of the pilot to use the compass to confirm his position; and the decision of the pilot to take off when he was unsure that the aircraft was positioned on the correct runway. Contributing to the accident was the fog, which reduced visibility to a point that the pilot could not ascertain his position visually and the control tower personnel could not assist the pilot. Also contributing to the accident was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs at several intersections passed by Flight 084 while it was taxiing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-10-30CF in Anchorage

Date & Time: Dec 23, 1983 at 1406 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HL7339
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Seoul - Anchorage - Los Angeles
MSN:
46960
YOM:
1977
Flight number:
KE084
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
12562
Captain / Total hours on type:
6471.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
8157
Copilot / Total hours on type:
2995
Circumstances:
While taxiing out in fog, the KAL crew became disoriented and ended up on the wrong runway. During the takeoff run, the aircraft collided head-on with South Central Air Flight 59, a Piper PA-31 which was taking off from runway 06L-24R for a flight to Kenai. The 9 occupants of N35206 were injured. The DC-10 overran the runway by 1434 feet and came to rest 40 feet right of the extended centreline.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot of Korean Air Lines Flight 084 to follow accepted procedures during taxi, which caused him to become disoriented while selecting the runway; the failure of the pilot to use the compass to confirm his position; and the decision of the pilot to take off when he was unsure that the aircraft was positioned on the correct runway. Contributing to the accident was the fog, which reduced visibility to a point that the pilot could not ascertain his position visually and the control tower personnel could not assist the pilot. Also contributing to the accident was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs at several intersections passed by Flight 084 while it was taxiing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 25D in Eagle County

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1983 at 1540 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N300PL
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saint Louis - Aspen
MSN:
25-247
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8376
Captain / Total hours on type:
735.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2887
Circumstances:
While en route, the aircrew encountered stronger headwinds than expected. They realized there would not be enough fuel reserves for an IFR flight to Aspen, so they elected to divert to Eagle, CO. However, their landing at Eagle was delayed due to a snowplow (with no radio) on the runway. After circling and reentering final approach, the aircrew noted that the snowplow was still on the runway, headed in their direction. They continued their approach and the snowplow cleared the runway. According to the snowplow operator, the aircraft was 100 to 200 feet agl when it crossed the threshold. A FSS specialist noted that the aircraft was still airborne when it passed the 2nd turnoff, approximately 2,300 feet from the threshold. After touching down on the snow covered runway, the pilot deployed the spoilers and immediately applied braking action, but was unable to stop on the remaining runway. The aircraft continued off the end of the runway, went down a 15 feet bank and ran into a small ravine. The runway gradient was 1.4% downhill, elev 6,538 feet. Drag chute was not deployed, 600 lbs fuel remaining. All six occupants were evacuated, among them five were injured, one seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
2. (f) weather condition - high wind
----------
Occurrence #2: overrun
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
3. (c) delayed - pilot in command
4. (f) airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered
5. Airport snow removal - performed
6. Precautionary landing - continued - pilot in command
7. (c) proper touchdown point - not attained - pilot in command
8. (f) fluid, fuel - low level
9. Go-around - not performed - pilot in command
10. (f) miscellaneous equipment - not used - pilot in command
11. (f) airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - downhill
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
12. (f) terrain condition - downhill
13. (f) terrain condition - ditch
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 425 Conquest in Newburgh: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1983 at 1856 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N6774R
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Wichita - White Plains
MSN:
425-0045
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8636
Captain / Total hours on type:
26.00
Aircraft flight hours:
291
Circumstances:
During arrival, there were indefinite delays at White Plains, NY, so the pilot diverted to Newburgh, NY. He was vectored for an ILS runway 09 approach. While en route, the pilot requested and was given the ILS frequency, minimums for the approach, the airport elevation (491 feet msl), the Newburgh weather and the frequency for the outer compass locator (even tho, current approach charts were on board). He was cleared for the approach, but the aircraft hit trees and crashed, 2.58 miles west of runway 09. Elevation of the crash site was about 580 feet. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 682 feet. An exam of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part malfunction or failure. The pilot was required to wear lenses to correct his vision. The area forecast called for icing, turbulence, low level wind shear, low ceilings, rain, drizzle, fog and a chance of light freezing rain/drizzle. Reportedly the pilot received a full weather briefing, but was not briefed on sigmets Juliett 7 and Lima 4 which called for moderate to severe turbulence and low level wind shear and occasional moderate to severe mixed/clear icing in clouds and precipitations below 8,000 feet.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. Preflight briefing service - improper - ATC personnel (FSS)
2. Flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
3. (f) approach aids - congested
4. Initiated - pilot in command
5. (f) light condition - dark night
6. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
7. (f) weather condition - turbulence
8. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
9. (f) weather condition - rain
10. (f) weather condition - fog
11. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
12. (f) weather condition - windshear
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
Findings
13. (c) IFR procedure - improper - pilot in command
14. (f) lack of total experience in type of aircraft - pilot in command
Final Report: