Crash of an Antonov AN-32 in Kinshasa: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 18, 1995
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
UR-48074
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
3010
YOM:
1992
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
28
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The aircraft was completing a humanitarian flight on behalf of the United Nations and was carrying 28 passengers, 4 crew members and various goods. On short final, at low height, the aircraft nosed down and struck the ground few metres short of runway threshold. Out of control, the aircraft came to rest few dozen metres further. Fifteen occupants were injured, 16 others escaped uninjured and one passenger died.
Probable cause:
It was determined that on final approach, the attachments used to fix the cargo failed, causing the load to move forward and the aircraft to nose down.

Crash of a Boeing 737-281 in Yogyakarta

Date & Time: Jan 16, 1995 at 1930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PK-JHF
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Jakarta – Yogyakarta – Denpasar
MSN:
20508/287
YOM:
1971
Flight number:
SG416
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
52
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After landing on wet runway 09, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost its nose gear and came to rest 100 metres further. All 58 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. A thunderstorm just passed over Yogyakarta Airport before the flight SG416 arrived from Jakarta and the approach was completed in a 30° flaps down configuration. Apparently, the braking action was poor.

Crash of a Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster in Pleasanton: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 12, 1995 at 1747 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N754FE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Visalia - Oakland
MSN:
208B-0249
YOM:
1991
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
25500
Captain / Total hours on type:
516.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2073
Circumstances:
A Cessna 208B struck a ridge line about 14 miles from the destination airport. The pilot reported to atc he had the airport in sight from 7,000 feet msl more than 30 miles away. A weather reporting station located 5 miles east of the accident site was reporting two cloud layers; a scattered layer at 1,500 feet agl, and a broken layer at 5,000 feet agl. The airplane was descending after the pilot was cleared for a visual approach. The airplane collided with a tree and the ground in a wings level attitude at an elevation of 1,500 feet msl. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction found with the airplane.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual contact with terrain and sufficient altitude for terrain clearance. Factors in the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate a descent 14 miles from the airport, and weather, specifically cloud conditions and darkness.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35 off Masset: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jan 11, 1995 at 0149 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-GPUN
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Vancouver - Masset
MSN:
35-058
YOM:
1976
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
4550
Captain / Total hours on type:
2550.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2880
Copilot / Total hours on type:
61
Aircraft flight hours:
11676
Circumstances:
On 11 January 1995, at 0035 Pacific standard time (PST), the twin-engine Learjet 35 departed Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, on a night, instrument flight rules (IFR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) flight to the Masset aerodrome, on the northern end of the Queen Charlotte Islands. On board the Learjet were a flight crew of two pilots, and a medical team consisting of two attendants and a doctor. Their mission was to evacuate a patient from Masset and deliver her to Prince Rupert for treatment; the aircraft was then to return to Vancouver. The flight-planned route was at flight level (FL) 390, direct to Sandspit then direct to Masset. Following routine communications with Air Traffic Services (ATS), at about 0144, the aircraft reported "outbound" from the Masset non-directional beacon (NDB) on the published NDB "A" instrument approach procedure to runway 12. Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar, situated near Sandspit, tracked the aircraft as it flew the approach. Radar data shows that the aircraft began a descent about 10 seconds after it had completed the procedure turn and was established on the final inbound approach track. Forty-three seconds later, at a point 8.8 nautical miles (nm) from the threshold of runway 12 and on the final, inbound track, the aircraft disappeared from radar. Department of National Defence (DND) Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft began searching the area shortly after the aircraft was declared missing, and were later assisted by other private and military aircraft and vessels. On the second day of the search, flotsam from the aircraft was found in the area. Extensive underwater searching using sonar and underwater cameras found the aircraft wreckage on 31 January 1995, in 260 feet of water, near the last known position. The aircraft had been destroyed. The bodies of two occupants were found several days after the accident, but the other three occupants have not been found and are presumed to have been fatally injured. The accident occurred at latitude 54/08NN and longitude 131/58NW, at about 0149 PST, during the hours of darkness in unknown weather conditions.
Probable cause:
The crew most likely conducted the instrument approach with reference to an unintentionally mis-set altimeter of 30.17 in. Hg, and unknowingly flew the aircraft into the water. The circumstances leading to the incorrect altimeter setting could not be determined, nor was it determined why the crew did not detect the mis-set altimeter.
Final Report:

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

Date & Time: Jan 9, 1995 at 1622 LT
Registration:
N50WT
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cancún – El Paso
MSN:
31-7952018
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
87
Circumstances:
During an international cross country flight the private pilot, certificated single engine land, experienced a dual engine power loss as he was being vectored to the Brownsville Airport. Following the accident the aircraft was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who found that there was fuel in the left fuel tank and that the fuel selector was in the right tank position. The pilot had reported, prior to loss of engine power, that he had low fuel indications in the right tank and that he needed a vector to Brownsville. The aircraft was landed in rough and uneven terrain, resulting in damage to the structure and wings, approximately 1/2 mile short of the runway.
Probable cause:
The fuel starvation loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper use of the fuel tank selector. Factors were the pilot's qualification and the lack of suitable terrain for landing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A60 Duke in Hurley: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 5, 1995 at 1835 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3LP
Survivors:
No
MSN:
P-242
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2746
Captain / Total hours on type:
209.00
Circumstances:
During climb to cruise the pilot reported a power loss on one engine and received vectors for a return to the departure airport. The pilot was subsequently cleared for the VOR-A approach and reported intercepting the inbound radial. The impact site was right of the inbound radial and short of the extended runway centerline. Weather at the airport was VFR. Post impact fire damaged the airplane. The left engine propeller was in the feather position. Visual and metallurgical examination confirmed the turbocharger shaft separated due to fatigue. The shaft contained chromium. The aircraft overhaul manual states that 'chrome plating...restoration of the shaft...are not permitted.' Metallographics revealed a microstructure of grey iron (automotive application) in the center housing. The turbocharger was overhauled and installed on the left engine in october 1989. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a single engine approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors were a fatigue separation of a shaft in the left engine turbocharger due to use of a Federal Aviation Administration approved overhaul procedure that was not consistent with the manufacturer's overhaul procedure, and the resultant loss of power to the left engine.
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing 737-298C in Kinshasa

Date & Time: Jan 2, 1995
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
9Q-CNI
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
20793
YOM:
1973
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The approach to Kinshasa-N'Djili Airport was completed in poor weather conditions. For unknown reasons, the aircraft landed hard and nose first. Upon impact, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of an Ilyushin II-76TD in Sarajevo

Date & Time: Dec 31, 1994
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
EW-76836
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Luxembourg - Sarajevo
MSN:
10134 09305
YOM:
1991
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Aircraft flight hours:
1275
Aircraft flight cycles:
438
Circumstances:
The approach to Sarajevo was completed in marginal weather conditions with strong winds and rain falls. After touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and eventually collided with military installations. All six crew members escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The crew completed the approach at a too high altitude to avoid hostile fire, causing the aircraft to land too far down the runway and reducing the landing distance available. The runway surface was wet at the time of the accident, which was considered as a contributing factor as well as poor weather conditions.

Crash of a Boeing 737-4Y0 in Van: 57 killed

Date & Time: Dec 29, 1994 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
TC-JES
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Ankara - Van
MSN:
26074
YOM:
1992
Flight number:
TK278
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
69
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
57
Circumstances:
While descending to Van-Ferit Melen Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with a limited visibility due to heavy snow falls. While on a VOR/DME approach to runway 03, the crew was unable to establish a visual contact with the runway and decided to initiate a go-around. Due to general conditions at destination, the captain decided to return to Ankara but eventually attempted a second approach. Few minutes later, as the visibility dropped to 300 metres, the crew was forced to initiate a second go-around. During the third approach, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the aircraft struck a snow covered hill (70 metres high) located about 4 km from runway 03 threshold and crashed. Five crew members and 52 passengers were killed while 19 other occupants were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was below minimums.
Probable cause:
The crew continued the approach in below minima weather conditions and descended below the minimum safe altitude until the aircraft contacted the ground and crashed.

Crash of a Boeing 737-200 in Coventry: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 21, 1994 at 0953 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
7T-VEE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Algiers - Amsterdam - Coventry
MSN:
20758
YOM:
1973
Flight number:
AH702P
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
10686
Captain / Total hours on type:
2187.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2858
Copilot / Total hours on type:
2055
Aircraft flight hours:
45633
Circumstances:
The Boeing 737, named "Oasis" was owned and operated by Air Algerie and had been leased by Phoenix Aviation in order to operate a series of live animal export flights from the UK to France and the Netherlands. On December 21, at 06:42 the plane departed from Amsterdam for a flight to Coventry. Weather at Coventry worsened and when arriving near Coventry, the RVR for runway 23 was 700 metres. The aircraft was not able to receive the Coventry runway 23 ILS as its dual navigation receiver system was not to an updated 40 channel ILS standard, so an SRA approach was flown. The radar guidance was completed at 0,5 miles from touchdown; the commander decided to discontinue the approach and execute a go-around. A holding pattern was then taken up at 07:44. When holding, the RVR further reduced to 600 m and the flight diverted to East Midlands to wait on the ground for weather improvement. The aircraft landed there at 08:08. At around 09:00 weather conditions improved to 1200 m visibility and an overcast cloud base at 600 feet. The flight departed East Midlands at 09:38 and climbed to FL40. Approaching Coventry, the crew received radar vectors for a runway 23 approach. After some initial confusion about the heading (the controller wanted the crew to turn left for 010°, while the crew understood 100°) the turn was continued to 260° and the SRA approach started at 12 miles from touchdown. The aircraft descended below the Minimum Descent Height (MDH) for the approach procedure and collided with an 86 feet high (291 feet ams) electricity transmission tower (pylon) which was situated on the extended centreline of the runway, some 1.1 miles from the threshold. The collision caused major damage to the inboard high lift devices on the left wing and the left engine. The consequent loss of lift on the left wing and the thrust asymmetry, caused the aircraft to roll uncontrollably to the left. When passing through a wings vertical attitude, the left wingtip impacted the gable end of a house. The aircraft continued rolling to an inverted attitude and impacted the ground in an area of woodland close to the edge of the housing conurbation. An intense fire ensued.
Probable cause:
The following factors were reported:
- The flight crew allowed the aircraft to descend significantly below the normal approach glide path during a Surveillance Radar Approach to runway 23 at Coventry Airport, in conditions of patchy lifting fog. The descent was continued below the promulgated Minimum Descent Height without the appropriate visual reference to the approach lighting or the runway threshold.
- The standard company operating procedure of cross-checking altimeter height indications during the approach was not observed and the appropriate Minimum Descent Height was not called by the non handling pilot.
- The performance of the flight crew was impaired by the effects of tiredness, having completed over 10 hours of flight duty through the night during five flight sectors which included a total of six approaches to land.
Final Report: