Region
North America
code

USA

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Lafayette: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 27, 1981 at 1415 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II
Operator:
Paul B. Knight
Registration:
N900E
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Lafayette - Lafayette
MSN:
421B-0359
YOM:
1973
Location:
Lafayette-Erie (ex Tri-County)
Colorado
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2000
Captain / Total hours on type:
68.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was engaged in a local post maintenance test flight with two pilots on board. After takeoff, while in initial climb, the airplane rolled to the right then became uncontrollable and crashed. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground during initial climb due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed,
- Engine structure: cylinder assembly, unapproved modification,
- Engine structure: piston, piston rings, wrong parts,
- Engine structure: valve assemblies, leak, over torqued,
- Unfavorable wind conditions with wind gusting up to 40 knots,
- Witness reported smoke from engine.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340 near Santa Maria: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 25, 1981 at 1118 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 340
Operator:
J. C. Enterprises
Registration:
N24MH
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Santa Ana - Oakland
MSN:
340-0169
YOM:
1972
Location:
Santa Maria
California
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:
2585
Captain / Total hours on type:
245.00
Circumstances:
En route from Santa Ana to Oakland, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed north of Santa Maria, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. At the time of the accident, the pilot was performing acrobatics.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA227TT Merlin IIIC in San Marcos

Date & Time: Mar 24, 1981 at 1100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Swearingen SA226T Merlin III
Operator:
Registration:
N1011R
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
T-303E
YOM:
1979
Location:
San Marcos
Texas
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7922
Captain / Total hours on type:
112.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local test flight at San Marcos Airport. Following several circuits, the crew initiated a new approach with the copilot at controls. Due to an improper level off, the twin engine airplane landed hard and came to rest. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing caused by an improper level off on part of the pilot at controls and an inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command. This was a manufacturer's test flight with an FAA copilot at controls.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61P Aerostar in Roanoke: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 23, 1981 at 1003 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
Operator:
Cooper Wood Products
Registration:
N3641U
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Roanoke - Winchester
MSN:
61-0820-8063429
YOM:
1980
Location:
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional/Woodrum Field
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:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4352
Captain / Total hours on type:
79.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Roanoke-Woodrum Field, while climbing, both engines lost power. The airplane stalled and crashed near the airport. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure or malfunction due to improperly serviced aircraft by ground crew. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper fuel grade,
- Evasive maneuver to avoid collision,
- Inadequate supervision/training of ramp crews,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Aircraft refueled 8 of March with 100LL and 20 of March with Jet A by same individual on overtime due to supervisor illness.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 100 King Air in Houston

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1981 at 1540 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 100 King Air
Operator:
Crutcher Resources Corporation
Registration:
N999CR
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Houston - Dallas
MSN:
B-12
YOM:
1970
Location:
Houston-William P. Hobby
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:
2940
Captain / Total hours on type:
110.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, while in initial climb, the right engine failed. The crew initiated a right turn when the airplane lost height and crashed in a field. Both occupants were slightly injured and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Pilot continued right turn into dead engine until just before touchdown, wings never leveled.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft UC-45J Expeditor in Beatty: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1981 at 1516 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
Operator:
North Cariboo Flying Service
Registration:
C-GRJE
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Yuma - Beatty - Spokane
MSN:
3654
YOM:
1943
Location:
Beatty
Nevada
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
14800
Captain / Total hours on type:
2000.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Yuma to Spokane with an intermediate stop in Beatty, Nevada, and was carrying a load consisting of two tyres and a spare engine. Following several non standard turns in traffic pattern, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Turbulence in flight, clear air,
- High density altitude (4,200 feet),
- Downwind.
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball II in Shemya: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 15, 1981 at 2245 LT
Type of aircraft:
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Operator:
Registration:
61-2664
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Eielson - Shemya
MSN:
18340/C20
YOM:
1962
Location:
Shemya
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
20
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Aircraft flight hours:
18638
Circumstances:
The approach to Shemya Airport was initiated by night and poor weather conditions with turbulences, fog and snow falls. On final, the crew failed to realize he was too low when the airplane struck the ground and crashed few hundred yards short of runway threshold. Six occupants were killed while 18 others were rescued.
Those killed were:
Maj William R. Bennett,
Cpt Larry A. Mayfield,
1st Lt Loren O. Ginter,
M/Sgt Stephen L. Kish,
S/Sgt Steven C. Balcer,
S/Sgt Harry L. Parsons III.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Kenai: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 14, 1981 at 1500 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Operator:
Alaska Air Guides
Registration:
N6473
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Anchorage - East Twin Lake
MSN:
410
YOM:
1952
Location:
Kenai
Alaska
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:
2304
Captain / Total hours on type:
702.00
Circumstances:
While completing a turn at low height, the aircraft stalled and crashed near Kenai. The passenger was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot exercised poor judgment,
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Low level turn,
- Aircraft at least 1,230 lbs over gross weight,
- CofG 5% aft of rear limits.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Bloomsburg

Date & Time: Mar 11, 1981 at 0930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 402
Operator:
Registration:
N7888Q
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bloomsburg - Gardner
MSN:
402B-0216
YOM:
1972
Location:
Bloomsburg
Pennsylvania
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:
8064
Captain / Total hours on type:
1604.00
Circumstances:
While taking off from a contaminated runway at Bloomsburg Airport, the pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled, veered off runway and crashed. Both occupants were injured, the passenger seriously, and the airplane was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Collision with dirt bank,
- Snow,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Airport conditions: snow on runway,
- Visibility one mile or less,
- Blowing snow,
- The pilot removed snow before takeoff,
- After takeoff, shuddered, 100 knots in ground effect,
- Ice beads frozen on wet wings of other aircraft.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas B-26 Invader near Edwards AFB: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 3, 1981 at 0928 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas A-26 Invader
Operator:
Registration:
N9417H
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Edwards AFB - Edwards AFB
MSN:
27932
YOM:
1944
Location:
Edwards AFB
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
3522
Captain / Total hours on type:
139.00
Circumstances:
In flight, the twin engine airplane suffered a wing failure and crashed near Edwards AFB. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure in flight. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Wings: spars,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Left wing separated during maneuvering flight,
- Fatigue found at wing station 141 on lower forward spar cap.
Final Report:
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