Crash of a Grumman HU-16B Albatross at Elefsis AFB: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 23, 1992
Operator:
Registration:
51-7202
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Elefsis - Elefsis
MSN:
G-270
YOM:
1953
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a post maintenance test flight at Elefsis AFB. On approach, the seaplane crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all three occupants.

Crash of a Socata TBM-700 in Epinal

Date & Time: Nov 15, 1991
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
F-GLBC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Toussus-le-Noble - Epinal
MSN:
18
YOM:
1991
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1100
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a test flight from Toussus-le-Noble to Epinal. On approach to Epinal-Mirecourt Airport, visibility was below minimums. On final, as the crew was unable to locate the runway, he decided to initiate a go-around procedure and increased engine power. The aircraft rolled to the left, causing the left wing and the engine to struck the runway surface. Power was reduced and the aircraft bounced and eventually came to rest 400 metres further. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise in Tulsa: 3 killed

Date & Time: Feb 22, 1991 at 1519 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N274MA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tulsa - Tulsa
MSN:
786
YOM:
1980
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
4910
Captain / Total hours on type:
445.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6094
Circumstances:
Airplane was departing on a required maintenance test flight following replacement of both engines. Witnesses stated that the takeoff roll and initial climb appeared normal, but that at about 500 feet agl, the airplane entered a right bank which continued until the wings were vertical and the nose fell through. Airplane impacted in an inverted steep nose down attitude. Examination of wreckage revealed that the right engine had been secured and feathered. Subsequent investigation did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction of either engine or any of the airframe systems. Engine mounting/rigging continuity could not be established due to impact damage. The pilot was a principal in the operator's organization and not one of the regular line pilots. Evidence indicated that the gear was up and that the left spoiler was deployed at impact. Emerg procedure taught in transition training is to use rudder trim as soon as possible after engine failure to preclude deployment of spoilers. Rudder trim found in neutral position. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The shutdown of one engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain VMCA during a critical phase of flight. A factor in the accident was the pilot's improper emergency procedure.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft F90 King Air in Nacogdoches

Date & Time: Jan 11, 1991 at 1040 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N311DS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nacogdoches - Addison
MSN:
LA-41
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6689
Captain / Total hours on type:
56.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3262
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that shortly after lifting off, the airplane began decelerating slowly. He thought the throttles had retarded; however, all of the engine instruments indicated takeoff power. Realizing that he could not return to the airport, the pilot selected a forced landing area and aimed the airplane between two trees. Investigation revealed that both props were at or near feather pitch angles at impact and being driven under power. Both engines had been changed immediately prior to the flight and both ground idle stops had been adjusted after the engine change with the left engine being slaved to the right. The system operated off of a squat switch on the right gear. Misriging of the right engine would be reflected in the left and allow oil pressure to be vented from the domes, which in turn would allow the propeller cylinder springs to drive the props toward feather as the right strut extended during takeoff. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
The loss of thrust due to the propeller's feathering on liftoff as a result of improper adjustments made during an engine change. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain to which the pilot could execute a forced landing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing 707-3K1C in Bucharest

Date & Time: Jan 10, 1991
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
YR-ABD
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bucharest - Bucharest
MSN:
21651
YOM:
1979
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The Romanian Presidential Airplane was engaged in a series of tests prior to an official flight to China within two days. The crew consisting of pilots and engineers completed several circuits in the region of Bucharest-Otopeni Airport and was preparing to land when the aircraft rolled to the left on short final, causing both left engines n°1 and 2 to struck the runway surface. Fuel line ruptured and fuel ignited. The crew initiated an emergency braking procedure, vacated the runway by a taxiway and stopped the aircraft that was bursting into flames. All 13 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Morane-Saulnier M.S.760A Paris 1A near Manantiales

Date & Time: Nov 21, 1990
Operator:
Registration:
E-234
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Mendoza - Mendoza
MSN:
A-22
YOM:
1962
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, departed Mendoza-El Plumerillo on a post maintenance test flight. En route, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances on a hilly terrain located near Manantiales. The pilot was injured.

Crash of a Rockwell Turbo Commander 680V in Fort Lauderdale: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 3, 1990 at 1025 LT
Registration:
N541F
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale
MSN:
680-1609-45
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1100
Aircraft flight hours:
6288
Circumstances:
The airplane had not flown since June 1989. The flight had made 2 high speed taxi operations before takeoff. Immediately after takeoff the flight called to land. The airplane was observed on downwind 200-800 feet agl, 15-25° nose high. The airplane then stalled. The compressor surge valves for the left and right engines were found in the open position. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot-in-command's decision to continue takeoff with a known deficiency in the airplane - low power on both engines which resulted from open compressor surge valves. The pilot subsequently failed to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn resulting in an inflight loss of control and a stall/spin.
Final Report:

Ground accident of a PZL-Mielec AN-2R in Gomel

Date & Time: Jul 13, 1990
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CCCP-70511
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
1G144-22
YOM:
1973
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Parked at Gomel Airport, the aircraft was subject to engine test runs. In unknown circumstances, it went out of control and collided with another parked AN-2 registered CCCP-40842. There were no injuries while both aircraft were damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 695A Jetprop 1000 in Llanos del Yarí: 7 killed

Date & Time: Mar 21, 1990
Registration:
HK-3278
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
695-96073
YOM:
1984
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was carrying five mechanics and two pilots and was completing a post maintenance test flight. In unknown circumstances, it struck the slope of a mountain near Llanos del Yarí. All seven occupants were killed.

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

Date & Time: Feb 21, 1990 at 0815 LT
Registration:
N3554P
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Greeley - Greeley
MSN:
31-8052052
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2455
Captain / Total hours on type:
139.00
Aircraft flight hours:
22598
Circumstances:
N3554p was on a maintenance test flight after the right wing was repaired. The pilot lost control of the airplane shortly after liftoff and was unable to regain control prior to the ground impact. The a&p mechanic who performed the repairs, re assembled the right wing aileron control cables per the Piper service manual. Post accident examination of the aileron control system revealed the right wing control cables were reversed on the aileron bellcrank, resulting in both ailerons moving the same direction (either up or down) when the control wheel was turned left or right. Both occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
The improper identification of parts in the piper PA-31-350 service manual pertaining to the aileron cables. This discrepancy resulted in the improper installation of the aileron cables on the right aileron bellcrank by a mechanic during the reconstruction of the right wing. The improper connection resulted in a loss of aircraft control by the pilot immediately after takeoff. Also causal to the accident were the inadequate inspection of the flight control system by a second mechanic with inspection authorization, and the inadequate preflight inspection of the flight control system by the pilot prior to takeoff.
Final Report: