Crash of a Boeing 707-336C in Mombasa: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 10, 1998 at 1635 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
SU-PBA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Mwanza – Mombasa – Cairo – Ostend
MSN:
19843
YOM:
1968
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Aircraft flight hours:
60171
Aircraft flight cycles:
17417
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Mwanza to Ostend with intermediate stops in Mombasa and Cairo, carrying six crew members and a load of 34 tons of fish. After takeoff from runway 03, the aircraft collided with approach lights and an earth mound then crashed few hundred metres past the runway end, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the first portion of 2,600 feet of runway 03 which is 10,991 feet long were not available due to work in progress. It was reported that the total weight of the aircraft was 135 tons.

Crash of a Cessna 401 off Chaitén: 5 killed

Date & Time: Mar 2, 1998 at 1505 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CC-CIX
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chaitén - Puerto Montt
MSN:
401-0029
YOM:
1967
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Chaitén Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in the sea near the La Puntilla harbor. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed. It was reported that the aircraft was on fire prior to impact with water, maybe after an engine caught fire.

Crash of an Embraer ERJ-145 in Beaumont

Date & Time: Feb 11, 1998 at 1216 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N14931
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Beaumont - Beaumont
MSN:
145-013
YOM:
1997
Flight number:
CO910
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10800
Captain / Total hours on type:
800.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1932
Copilot / Total hours on type:
15
Aircraft flight hours:
1844
Aircraft flight cycles:
1472
Circumstances:
The pilot-in-command (PIC) was administering a proficiency check flight to the first officer (FO) in a regional jet. One of the required check items was the loss of an engine at "V1" speed. While on takeoff roll with the FO at the controls, the PIC retarded the left engine throttle to idle when "V1" speed was attained. The FO called, "check max thrust," and then called, "positive rate gear up." As the PIC reached for the gear lever, he noticed the airplane roll to the left at a rate which he felt was "excessive and dangerous." He then reached for the flight controls and felt the left rudder "go all the way to the floor." As the PIC took control of the airplane, he applied full right rudder and right aileron. The airplane began recovering from the bank and impacted the ground. Flight recorder data revealed that the time interval between the throttle retarded to idle and ground impact was about 8 seconds. The data showed that the airplane became airborne about 2 seconds after the throttle was retarded, and that the airplane had rolled to a 71 degree left bank within 6 seconds from the throttle reduction. Ground scars and wreckage distribution revealed that the left wing had contacted the ground first and then the right wing prior to the airplane coming to rest. The FO had a total of 15 hours in the type aircraft in the last 90 days. Examinations of the airframe, engines, and flight control system did not reveal any anomalies that could have contributed to the accident. Company flight training policy stated that all check airmen should be ready to take control of the airplane while practicing these types of training maneuvers.
Probable cause:
The first officer's improper use of the rudder when given a simulated engine failure on takeoff and the pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action which resulted in a loss of control. A factor was the first officer's lack of experience in the regional jet airplane.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T207 Skywagon in Homer: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 6, 1998 at 1245 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N91029
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Homer - English Bay
MSN:
207-0020
YOM:
1969
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1358
Captain / Total hours on type:
48.00
Aircraft flight hours:
11192
Circumstances:
The certificated commercial pilot was departing on a 14 CFR 135 cargo flight. The airplane lifted off and climbed to about 200 feet. Instead of turning right toward the intended destination, the airplane began a left turn toward the runway. The angle of bank increased to about 45 degrees. The airplane then nosed down, and descended into snow covered terrain, about 200 yards north of the runway. Examination of the engine revealed the number six cylinder head was fractured, and slightly separated from the cylinder barrel. The area around the point of separation was blackened and oily. Similar discoloration was noted on the inside of the engine cowl. A metallurgical examination of the cylinder head revealed a fatigue fracture along a large segment of the thread root radius between the 5th and 6th threads. The engine's cylinder compression is part of the operator's approved airworthiness inspection program. The number six cylinder compression, recorded 121 hours before the accident, was noted as 60 PSI. The last engine inspection, 27 hours before the accident, did not include a record of the engine compression.
Probable cause:
A fatigue failure, and partial separation of the number 6 engine cylinder head assembly, the operator's inadequate progressive inspection performed by company maintenance personnel, and the pilot's inadvertent stall during a maneuvering turn toward an emergency landing area.
Final Report:

Crash of an Antonov AN-12BP in Lajes: 7 killed

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1998 at 2217 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LZ-SFG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Lisbon – Ponta Delgada – Lajes – Lisbon
MSN:
3 3 416 05
YOM:
1963
Flight number:
LXR513
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
11731
Captain / Total hours on type:
3104.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
5080
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1772
Aircraft flight hours:
12492
Aircraft flight cycles:
7005
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft was completing a mail flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada and Lajes and back to Lisbon. On the last leg from Lajes to Lisbon, the cargo consisted of 1,693,5 kg of cargo and mail. Shortly after takeoff from runway 33, while in initial climb, the engine n°3 failed and its propeller autofeathered. Six seconds later, the engine n°4 failed as well. The aircraft went out of control and crashed in hilly terrain not far from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The following factors were identified:
- Engines n°3 and 4 stoppage at takeoff due to incorrect selection of the Fuel System,
- Interruption of the checklist sequence in the attempt to transfer fuel from the lower tanks to the wings, which may have contributed to the incorrect selection of the Fuel System,
- The cargo was not secured may have contributed to the deterioration of the stability and controllability of the aircraft,
- The impossibility to retract the landing gear, in time, which contributed to the decrease of the aircraft performance.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T207A Skywagon in Arusha: 5 killed

Date & Time: Feb 3, 1998 at 0725 LT
Operator:
Registration:
5H-PAT
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Arusha - Zanzibar
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
1700
Captain / Total hours on type:
300.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Arusha Airport runway 09, while climbing, the pilot declared an emergency following an engine failure. While attempting to return, he lost control of the airplane that crashed 1,200 metres from the runway, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed, among them four Italian citizens.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined with certainty. The aircraft was maintained according to published procedures. At the time of the accident, the engine had 1,245 flying hours and the next maintenance was scheduled within 155 flying hours.

Crash of a Fokker F27 Friendship 600 in Sandoway: 16 killed

Date & Time: Jan 27, 1998 at 1145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
XY-AES
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Sandoway – Kyaukpyu
MSN:
10576
YOM:
1978
Flight number:
UB403
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
41
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Circumstances:
After takeoff from runway 02, while in initial climb, the right engine apparently failed. The aircraft rolled to the right, lost height and struck a concrete wall. Out of control, it crashed, broken into several pieces and bursting into flames. A crew member and 15 passengers were killed. No technical anomalies were found on both engines, braking systems, tyres and landing gear.

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 695A Jetprop 1000 in Boca Raton: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 21, 1998 at 1534 LT
Registration:
N269M
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Boca Raton - Lawrenceville
MSN:
695-96098
YOM:
1985
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1606
Captain / Total hours on type:
843.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3274
Circumstances:
The pilot had received a weather briefing and was aware of the weather conditions west and north of the airport. The pilot was issued the flight clearance as filed, and was assigned an initial altitude of 2000 feet. Approximately five minutes into the flight, the air traffic controller questioned the pilot concerning the assigned heading. The controller stated that the pilot 'sounded extremely strained' and replied, 'N269M is in trouble.' Radar altitude data showed a rapid loss of altitude for N269M; the last radar altitude data showed the flight at 2800 feet. The airplane collided with the ground in a nose low attitude. Weather radar data from the Miami Weather Surveillance Radar-1988, Doppler (WSR-88D) showed a large, intense convective cell just west of Boca Raton between 1530:15 and 1535:57. Moderate to very heavy rain showers were associated with the convective activity. A review of the radar data showed that N269M was 3.5 to 4.0 miles north of the core of the large convective cell.
Probable cause:
The pilot flew into known convective meteorological conditions and lost control of the airplane. Factors were low clouds, and moderate to heavy rain.

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

Date & Time: Jan 20, 1998
Operator:
Registration:
C-FDNF
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Sanikiluaq – Iqaluit
MSN:
31-8252042
YOM:
1982
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2800
Captain / Total hours on type:
1000.00
Circumstances:
The Piper Navajo Chieftain PA-31-350, serial number 31-8252042, was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Sanikiluaq to Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. Two pilots and two passengers were on board. After checking the runway condition and weather, the pilot commenced his take-off run on runway 27. After take-off, the pilot saw flames coming out of the right engine cowl. The right engine was shut down but the aircraft could not maintain a sufficient rate of climb, and it crashed on flat, snow-covered ground about one mile from the end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage on landing. After the aircraft came to a stop, the occupants evacuated via the left front door and walked back to the airport terminal for shelter and assistance. There were no injuries. The occurrence happened at night in instrument meteorological conditions.
Probable cause:
A modification to the cabin heating unit inconsistent with the manufacturer's recommendations and aviation regulations caused an engine fire in the right engine cowl during the initial climb. The pilot shut down the engine, but the aircraft could not maintain a positive rate of climb and crashed to the ground.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Rainbow Lake

Date & Time: Jan 15, 1998 at 1935 LT
Registration:
C-FZBW
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rainbow Lake – High Level – Edmonton – Calgary
MSN:
31-8152096
YOM:
1981
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3700
Captain / Total hours on type:
93.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
632
Copilot / Total hours on type:
277
Circumstances:
The Airco Aircraft Charters Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain, serial number 31-8152096, had been chartered by Northern Sky Aviation to complete a daily passenger flight from the Edmonton City Centre Airport to High Level, Rainbow Lake, Edmonton, and Calgary, Alberta. The flight from Edmonton to High Level and Rainbow Lake was uneventful. Following a routine landing and turn around, the aircraft departed Rainbow Lake in darkness, at 1935 mountain standard time (MST), on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight to Edmonton. Shortly after take-off from runway 27, the aircraft collided with trees and terrain approximately 3 000 feet west of the departure end of the runway. The nine occupants sustained minor injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged. Immediately following the evacuation of the aircraft, a Rainbow Lake passenger initiated the local emergency response by cell phone. Volunteer ground rescue personnel organized a snowmobile search, and a helicopter was dispatched from the airport to conduct an aerial search. The ground search was hampered by darkness, dense forest, cold temperatures, and deep snow. The helicopter pilot located the aircraft wreckage on his first pass over the departure corridor and, following his immediate return to the airport, he lead the ground rescuers to the accident site. Rescuers reached the accident site approximately one and one-half hours after the occurrence and assisted all of the survivors to the Rainbow Lake nursing station.
Probable cause:
The aircraft was inadvertently flown into trees and the ground, in controlled flight and dark ambient conditions, during a night departure because a positive rate of climb was not maintained after take off. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot’s concentrating on blue line speed rather than maintaining a positive rate of climb, the dark ambient conditions, a departure profile into rising terrain, an overweight aircraft, and crew resource mismanagement.
Final Report: