Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Harrisburg

Date & Time: Feb 17, 1978 at 2332 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft E18
Operator:
Flight Express Cargo
Registration:
N180X
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Harrisburg - Pittsburgh
MSN:
BA-84
YOM:
1955
Location:
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
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:
8070
Captain / Total hours on type:
2435.00
Circumstances:
During the takeoff run at Harrisburg Airport by night and ground fog, the pilot failed to realize that the airplane deviated to the left and came to rest in an adjacent area. The pilot was uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Ground-water loop-swerve during takeoff run after the pilot failed to maintain directional control. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airport conditions: snow windrows,
- Windshield, dirty, foggy, etc. - restricted vision,
- Ground fog,
- Single pilot operation,
- Encountered newly formed ground fog during night takeoff,
- Landing lights ON,
- Undetected runway deviation to the left.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft G18S in Coraopolis

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1977 at 0541 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft G18S
Operator:
Flight Express Cargo
Registration:
N75FA
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
City
Schedule:
Pittsburgh - Cleveland
MSN:
BA-498
YOM:
1960
Location:
Pittsburgh-Intl
Pennsylvania
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
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Pittsburgh-Intl Airport, while climbing, the right engine failed. The pilot-in-command initiated a right turn and attempted to return to the airport when the airplane stalled and crashed in flames in a residential area located in Coraopolis, about three miles northeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were seriously injured. There were no injuries on the ground.
Probable cause:
Engine malfunction and stall during initial climb due to powerplant, fuel system, carburetor failure. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fuel system, carburetor improperly installed, leakage,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls,
- Attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Right engine not feathered,
- Turned aircraft toward dead engine while returning to airport.
Final Report:
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