Crash of a Beechcraft E90 King Air in Slidell

Date & Time: Nov 6, 2022 at 2145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N809DM
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nashville – Slidell
MSN:
LW-334
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4800
Captain / Total hours on type:
325.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7111
Circumstances:
The pilot flew a visual approach to his home airport but did a go-around due to ground fog. After receiving an instrument flight rules clearance, he flew an RNAV/GPS approach that he also discontinued due to ground fog. After executing a missed approach, the pilot flew another RNAV/GPS approach. The pilot reported that during this last approach he lost visual references and initiated a go-around, during which the airplane impacted trees about 800 ft to the right of the runway. The main wreckage came to rest upright and was consumed by a post-impact fire. The postaccident examination revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he observed the right engine was slower to accelerate than the left engine during the attempted go-around, and that he was distracted looking at the engine indications. He reported that he did not notice if the airplane yaw to the right and, before he could correct for the altitude loss, the airplane descended into and struck the trees.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around in low visibility conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Puerto Ayacucho: 5 killed

Date & Time: Nov 6, 2022 at 0656 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
AMB-0956
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Puerto Ayacucho - Puerto Ayacucho
MSN:
208B-0977
YOM:
2002
Country:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane was engaged in a local training flight at Puerto Ayacucho Airport, carrying five pilots. While completing a turn on approach to runway 04, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a wooded area located about 3 km south of the airport, bursting into flames. The airplane was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all five occupants were killed. Puerto Ayacucho Airport is named Cacique Aramare but the military side is named José Antonio Páez.
Crew:
Cpt José Castillo Tovar,
Cpt Jefferson Aular,
1st Lt Roberto Aponte,
Lt Santiago Collado,
Lt Joé Rivas.

Crash of a Beechcraft B60 Duke in Farmingdale

Date & Time: Nov 5, 2022 at 1351 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N51AL
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burlington – Farmingdale
MSN:
P-247
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4672
Captain / Total hours on type:
173.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7476
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that he was under the impression that his airplane’s inboard fuel tanks had been topped and he had 202 gallons on board prior to departure. He had a “standing order” with the airport’s fixed base operator to top the tanks; however, the fueling was not accomplished and he did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure. He entered 202 gallons in cockpit fuel computer and unknowingly commenced the flight with 61 gallons on board. Prior to reaching his destination, his fuel supply was exhausted, both engines lost all power, and he performed a forced landing in a cemetery about one mile from the airport. The pilot and his passenger had minor injuries. Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage and determined that damage to the wings and fuselage was substantial. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the airplane’s fuel system, resulting in him commencing the flight with an inadequate fuel supply.
Final Report:

Crash of an Airbus A330-322 in Mactan

Date & Time: Oct 23, 2022 at 2308 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HL7525
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Seoul - Mactan
MSN:
219
YOM:
1998
Flight number:
KE631
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
11
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
165
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Seoul-Incheon Airport at 1920LT on a schedule service to Mactan, Philippines, carrying 165 passagers and a crew of 11. On approach to Mactan Airport Runway 22 at night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity. Due to the presence of CB's at 1,800 feet, the captain decided to abort the approach and initiated a go around procedure. Fourteen minutes later, at 2226LT, on short final and after crossing the runway threshold, the airplane encountered windshear and apparently touched down hard. The crew aborted the landing procedure for a second time and initiated a second go around manoeuvre. The crew followed a holding pattern for about 30 minutes then was cleared for a third approach. After touchdown on a wet runway 22 (3,310 metres long), the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran at a speed of 80 knots. While contacting soft ground, the nose gear was torn off then the airplane collided with various equipment of the localizer antenna and came to rest 360 metres past the runway end. All 176 occupants evacuated safely.

Crash of a Beechcraft E90 King Air in Marietta: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 18, 2022 at 0709 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N515GK
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Columbus – Parkersburg
MSN:
LW-108
YOM:
1974
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1940
Captain / Total hours on type:
15.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2500
Copilot / Total hours on type:
250
Aircraft flight hours:
9521
Circumstances:
Shortly after departure to pick up a passenger at their destination airport about 75 nm away, the pilots climbed and turned onto a track of about 115° before leveling off about 11,000 ft mean sea level (msl), where the airplane remained for a majority of the flight. Pilot and controller communications during the flight were routine and there were no irregularities reported. As the airplane descended into the destination airport area, the airplane passed through areas of light to heavy icing where there was a 20 to 80% probability of encountering supercooled large droplets (SLD) during their initial descent and approach. While level at 4,000 ft msl, the flight remained in icing conditions, and then was cleared for the instrument approach to the runway. The flight emerged from the overcast layer as it crossed the final approach fix at 2,800 ft msl; the flight continued its descent and was cleared to land. The controller informed the flight that there was a vehicle on the runway but it would be cleared shortly, which was acknowledged; this was the final communication from the flight crew. Multiple eyewitnesses and security camera footage revealed that the airplane, while flying straight and level, suddenly began a steep, spinning, nearly vertical descent until it impacted a commercial business parking lot; the airplane subsequently collided with several unoccupied vehicles and caught fire. The airplane was certified for flight in known icing conditions and was equipped with pneumatic deice boots on each of the wings and tail surfaces. The pneumatic anti-icing system was consumed by the postimpact fire; the control switches were impact and thermally damaged and a reliable determination of their preimpact operation could not be made. Further examination of the airframe and engines revealed no indications of any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation or performance. During the approach it is likely that the airframe had been exposed to and had built-up ice on the control surfaces. It could not be determined if the pilots used the pneumatic anti-icing system, or if the system was inoperative, based on available evidence. Review of the weather conditions and the airplane’s calculated performance based on ADS-B data, given the speeds at which the airplane was flying, and the lack of any discernable deviations that might have been expected due to an extreme amount of ice accumulating on the airframe, it is also likely that the deice system, if operating at the time of the icing encounter, should have been able to sufficiently remove the ice from the surfaces. Although it is also uncertain when the pilots extended the landing gear and flaps, it is likely that the before-landing checklist would be conducted between the final approach fix and when the flight was on its 3-mile final approach to land. Given this information, the available evidence suggests that the sudden loss of control from a stable and established final approach was likely due to the accumulation of ice on the tailplane. It is likely that once the pilots changed the airplane’s configuration by extending the landing gear and flaps, the sudden aerodynamic shift resulted in the tailplane immediately entering an aerodynamic stall that maneuvered the airplane into an attitude from which there was no possibility to recover given the height above the ground. Postaccident toxicological testing detected the presence of delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC has a potential to alter perception and cause impairment, but only the non-psychoactive metabolite carboxy-delta-8-THC was present in the pilot’s liver and lung tissue. Thus, it is unlikely that the pilot’s delta-8-THC use contributed to the accident.
Probable cause:
Structural icing on the tailplane that resulted in a tailplane stall and subsequent loss of control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 525B Citation CJ3 in Pasco

Date & Time: Sep 20, 2022 at 0709 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N528DV
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chehalis - Pasco
MSN:
525B-0329
YOM:
2009
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9800
Captain / Total hours on type:
2150.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3252
Circumstances:
After an uneventful flight, a jet airplane on a business flight was landing at its destination. The pilot reported to the tower controller that the airport was in sight and requested to land. The pilot further reported that, while on left base, he started to lower the flaps and extended the gear handle. He did not recall confirming whether the gear was down and locked but reported that there were no landing caution annunciations or aural warnings. Before making contact with the runway, the pilot noticed that the airplane floated longer than expected and upon touchdown realized that the landing gear was not extended. The airplane skidded down the runway and came to a stop just past the departure end of the runway. The pilot secured the engines and assisted the passengers out of the airplane. During the evacuation, the pilot reported that the airplane was on fire near the right engine. Shortly thereafter, the airplane was engulfed in flames. When the airplane was raised for recovery, all three-landing gear were free from their uplocks and dropped down to the extended position. Post accident examination confirmed the main landing gear uplocks were in the gear release (unlocked) position. In addition, the left main landing gear door was also partially extended on the airplane after it came to rest. The landing gear handle was observed in the down (extended) position during the examination. Accounting for the position of the landing gear uplocks, the landing gear door upon landing, and the witnesses’ observation of the airplane not having its landing gear extended, it is likely that the pilot positioned the landing gear handle to the down (extended) position just before or during landing. Nevertheless, the pilot failed to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked before landing. Examination of the landing gear handle and landing gear circuit cards revealed no anomalies. A review of the ADS-B data revealed that the airplane’s airspeed was fast on the approach and landing. The airplane’s ground speed was about 143 knots as it passed over the runway threshold, which was above the airspeed that the landing gear not extended warning system would activate (130 knots). Additionally, the airplane’s flaps were likely configured in the takeoff/approach setting (15°), which would not activate the landing gear not extended warning system. Stabilized approach criteria for airspeed and configuration were not maintained on the approach and landing.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to ensure the landing gear was extended before landing. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to fly a stabilized approach, and his configuration of the airplane that prevented activation of the landing gear not extended warning system on final approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a BAe 3201EP Jetstream 32 in El Estrecho: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 20, 2022
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
OB-2152
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
El Estrecho – Iquitos
MSN:
941
YOM:
1991
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
15
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll from runway 31 at El Estrecho Airport, the crew encountered an unexpected situation and rejected takeoff. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, crossed a road and crashed against a wooded embankment. The right wing was partially sheared off and the undercarriage were torn off. All 17 occupants were injured, five seriously. One passenger died from injuries sustained.

Crash of a Swearingen SA227AC Metro III in Saltillo

Date & Time: Sep 15, 2022 at 1635 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
XA-UMW
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saltillo - Laredo
MSN:
AC-717
YOM:
1988
Flight number:
VTM717
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After takeoff from runway 35 at Saltillo-Plan de Guadalupe Airport, while climbing to an altitude of 800 feet, the crew encountered technical issues with the right engine that lost power and started to vibrate. The crew reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in bushes about 4,5 km northwest of the airport and came to rest. Both pilots were uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Porto Trombetas: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 10, 2022
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PT-MES
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Porto Trombetas - Ayaramã
MSN:
208B-0507
YOM:
1996
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Porto Trombetas Airport, the pilot encountered engine problems and attempted an emergency landing. The airplane crashed in a wooded area and was destroyed. The pilot was killed and all four passengers were injured. They were en route to Ayaramã to provide dental assistance to locals. On board were one dentist, one assistant, one nurse and one employee of the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics.

Crash of a Cirrus Vision SF50 in Kissimmee

Date & Time: Sep 9, 2022 at 1502 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N77VJ
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Miami - Kissimmee
MSN:
88
YOM:
2018
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
982
Captain / Total hours on type:
325.00
Aircraft flight hours:
645
Circumstances:
The pilot obtained multiple preflight weather briefings that resulted in him delaying the flight’s departure until the afternoon. After departure, while near his intended destination, the pilot was twice advised by air traffic controllers of adverse weather, including heavy to extreme precipitation along the intended final approach. While in visual meteorological conditions the pilot requested an RNAV approach to his destination airport. While flying towards the final approach fix at a low thrust setting the autopilot attempted to maintain 2,000 ft while pitching up and slowing to about 100 knots, causing an airspeed aural warning. The pilot applied partial thrust and while in instrument meteorological conditions the flight encountered extreme precipitation and turbulence associated with the previously reported thunderstorm. The pilot turned off the autopilot; the airplane then climbed at a rate that was well beyond the performance capability of the airplane, likely caused by updrafts from the mature thunderstorm and application of takeoff thrust. The High Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) engaged, pitching the airplane nose-down coupled with the pilot pushing the control stick forward. The airplane then began descending followed by pitching up and climbing again. The pilot pulled the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and descended under canopy into a marsh but the airplane was dragged a short distance from wind that inflated the CAPS canopy. Post accident examination of the recovered airplane revealed substantial damage to the front pressure bulkhead and to both sides of the fuselage immediately behind the front pressure bulkhead. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the flight controls for roll, pitch, or yaw. Data downloaded from the Recoverable Data Module (RDM) revealed no faults with the autopilot or stability protection systems until the CAPS system was activated, when those recorded faults would have been expected. Further, there were no discrepancies with the engine. Although the pilot perceived a malfunction of the autopilot at several times during the final portion of the flight, the perceived autopilot discrepancies were likely normal system responses based on the autopilot mode changes.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s continuation of the instrument approach into known extreme precipitation and turbulence associated with a thunderstorm, resulting in excessive altitude deviations that required him to activate the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System.
Final Report: