Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne in Madison

Date & Time: Nov 30, 1981 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31 Cheyenne
Operator:
SS Airways
Registration:
N15SS
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Peru - Louisville
MSN:
31T-7820068
YOM:
1978
Location:
Madison
Indiana
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7126
Captain / Total hours on type:
1305.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude from Peru to Louisville, both engines failed. The pilot reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in an open field. Upon landing, the undercarriage collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its belly. All five occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Instruments: fuel quantity gauge, erratic,
- Rough/uneven terrain,
- Complete failure of both engines,
- Forced landing off airport on land.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Pontiac: 3 killed

Date & Time: Feb 19, 1981 at 1903 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31 Cheyenne
Operator:
SS Airways
Registration:
N321SS
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Tulsa - Pontiac
MSN:
31-8020035
YOM:
1980
Location:
Pontiac-Oakland County
Michigan
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1700
Captain / Total hours on type:
33.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Pontiac-Oakland County Airport runway 09, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to low ceiling and fog. On final, the twin engine airplane struck two 40 feet approach lite towers located 2,400 and 2,200 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airplane lost height and crashed, bursting into flames. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with wires/poles on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility down to zero,
- Weather conditions below minimums.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Kansas City: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 24, 1975 at 0450 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft E18
Operator:
SS Airways
Registration:
N7010
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Lincoln - Kansas City
MSN:
BA-179
YOM:
1956
Location:
Kansas City
Missouri
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4720
Circumstances:
During a night approach to Kansas City Airport, while on a ferry flight from Lincoln, the airplane went out of control, rolled over and crashed in flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent on final approach for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Fog,
- Sound of engine surging heard.
Final Report:
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