Crash of a Fokker F27 Friendship 500 in K50: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 13, 2008 at 0450 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5Y-BVF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Nairobi – K50
MSN:
10627
YOM:
1982
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta Airport on a cargo flight to the K50 Airstrip located about 35 km southwest of Mogadishu, carrying three crew members and a load of 5,4 tons of khat. On approach by night, the crew was unable to establish a visual contact with the runway due to foggy conditions. The captain initiated a go-around and the crew attempted a second approach to land. Too low, the airplane collided with a 60 metres high communication antenna and crashed 2 km from the airport. All three occupants were killed.

Crash of a Lockheed C-130H Hercules at Bagram AFB

Date & Time: Aug 5, 2008
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
1212
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
4985
YOM:
1983
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft was completing a humanitarian mission to Bagram AFB. After landing in poor weather conditions, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest, bursting into flames. There were no injuries among the crew but the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Beechcraft A90 King Air in Pitt Meadows

Date & Time: Aug 3, 2008 at 1524 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N17SA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pitt Meadows - Pitt Meadows
MSN:
LJ-164
YOM:
1966
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4800
Captain / Total hours on type:
1290.00
Aircraft flight hours:
13257
Circumstances:
The Bill Dause Beech 65-A90 King Air (United States registration N17SA, aircraft serial number LJ-164) took off from Pitt Meadows Airport, British Columbia, with the pilot and seven parachutists for a local sky diving flight. At 1521 Pacific daylight time, as the aircraft was climbing through 3900 feet above sea level, the pilot reported an engine failure and turned back towards Pitt Meadows Airport for a landing on Runway 08R. The airport could not be reached and a forced landing was carried out in a cranberry field, 400 metres west of the airport. On touchdown, the aircraft struck an earthen berm, bounced, and struck the terrain again. On its second impact, the left wing dug into the soft peat, spinning the aircraft 180 degrees. Four of the parachutists received serious injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged. There was no fire and the occupants were evacuated. The emergency locator transmitter functioned at impact and was turned off by first responders.
Probable cause:
Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors:
1. The general condition of the aircraft, the engine time before overhaul (TBO) over-run and the missed inspection items demonstrated inadequate maintenance that was not detected by regulatory oversight.
2. The TBO over-run and missed inspections resulted in excessive spline wear in the left engine-driven fuel pump going undetected.
3. The left engine lost power due to mechanical failure of the engine fuel pump drive splines.
4. The horizontal engine instrument arrangement and the lack of recent emergency training made quick engine malfunction identification difficult. This resulted in the pilot shutting down the wrong engine, causing a dual-engine power loss and a forced landing.
5. Not using the restraint devices contributed to the seriousness of injuries to some passengers.
Finding as to Risk:
1. There is a risk to passengers if Transport Canada does not verify that holders of Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificates-Free Trade Agreement meet airworthiness and operational requirements.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 550 Citation II in Reading

Date & Time: Aug 3, 2008 at 1519 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N827DP
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pottstown - Reading
MSN:
550-0660
YOM:
1990
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
12100
Captain / Total hours on type:
2690.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1779
Copilot / Total hours on type:
65
Aircraft flight hours:
5008
Circumstances:
The air traffic controller, with both ground and local (tower) responsibilities, cleared the accident airplane to land when it was about 8 miles from the runway. Another airplane landed in front of the accident flight, and the controller cleared that pilot to taxi to the hangar. The controller subsequently cleared a tractor with retractable (bat wing) mowers, one on each side, and both in the “up” position, to proceed from the terminal ramp and across the 6,350-foot active runway at an intersection about 2,600 feet from the threshold. The controller then shifted his attention back to the airplane taxiing to its hangar, and did not see the accident airplane land. During the landing rollout, the airplane’s left wing collided with the right side of the tractor when the tractor was “slightly” left of runway centerline. Calculations estimated that the airplane was about 1,000 feet from the collision point when the tractor emerged from the taxiway, and skid marks confirmed that the airplane had been steered to the right to avoid impact. Prior to the crossing attempt, the tractor operator did not scan the runway, and was concentrating on the left side bat wing. Federal Aviation Administration publications do not adequately address the need for ground vehicle operators to visually confirm that active runways/approaches are clear, prior to crossing with air traffic control authorization, thus overlooking an additional means to avoid a collision.
Probable cause:
The air traffic controller’s failure to properly monitor the runway environment. Contributing to the accident was the tractor operator’s failure to scan the active runway prior to crossing, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s inadequate emphasis on vehicle operator visual vigilance when crossing active runways with air traffic control clearance.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35A in Guadalajara

Date & Time: Aug 2, 2008
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
XB-KPB
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
35-379
YOM:
1981
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Guadalajara-Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Airport, the crew encountered high voltage problems. While trying to resolve the issue, the electrical system failed. The crew informed ATC and was cleared to return for an emergency landing. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft slid on its belly and came to rest, bursting into flames. All six occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a BAe 125-800A in Owatonna: 8 killed

Date & Time: Jul 31, 2008 at 0945 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N818MV
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Atlantic City - Owatonna
MSN:
258186
YOM:
1990
Flight number:
ECJ81
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
3596
Captain / Total hours on type:
1188.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1454
Copilot / Total hours on type:
295
Aircraft flight hours:
6570
Aircraft flight cycles:
5164
Circumstances:
On July 31, 2008, about 0945 central daylight time, East Coast Jets flight 81, a BAe 125-800A airplane, registered N818MV, crashed while attempting to go around after landing on runway 30 at Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, Owatonna, Minnesota. The two pilots and six passengers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The nonscheduled, domestic passenger flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated; however, it was canceled before the landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Probable cause:
The captain’s decision to attempt a go-around late in the landing roll with insufficient runway remaining. Contributing to the accident were:
- The pilots’ poor crew coordination and lack of cockpit discipline,
- Fatigue, which likely impaired both pilots’ performance, and
- The failure of the Federal Aviation Administration to require crew resource management training and standard operating procedures for Part 135 operators.
Final Report:

Crash of an Eclipse EA500 in West Chester

Date & Time: Jul 30, 2008 at 1830 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N333MY
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Philadelphia - West Chester
MSN:
113
YOM:
2007
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6300
Captain / Total hours on type:
93.00
Aircraft flight hours:
98
Circumstances:
During landing at its home airport, the airplane overran the runway and traveled down a 40-foot embankment before coming to rest against trees and sustaining substantial damage. According to the pilot, his speed on approach was a little fast but he thought it was manageable. Recorded data from the accident airplane revealed that 20 seconds before touchdown, when the pilot selected flaps 30 (landing flaps) the airspeed was approximately 27 knots above the maximum flap extension speed, and as the airplane touched down its airspeed was approximately 14 knots higher than specified for landing. The runway had a displaced threshold with 3,097 feet of runway length available. Skid marks from the accident airplane began approximately 868 feet beyond the displaced threshold, and continued for about 2,229 feet until they left the paved portion of the runway.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and his excessive airspeed on approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest in Sunriver: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 16, 2008 at 1015 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N441HK
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bakersfield - Sunriver
MSN:
441-0336
YOM:
1984
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
965
Captain / Total hours on type:
277.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5643
Circumstances:
The pilot was executing a day visual flight rules full-stop landing and touched down on the main landing gear near the approach end of the runway. Soon after the initial touchdown, the airplane became airborne again. Instead of initiating a go-around, the pilot attempted to continue the landing sequence. During that attempt, the airplane bounced on the runway three or four times, each time the rebound back into the air and the runway contact was more severe. During the last contact the airplane impacted the runway with sufficient force to result in the failure of the right main landing gear actuator rod, and in the right propeller contacting the runway surface multiple times. The pilot then initiated a go-around, but since the right engine had failed due to the multiple propeller strikes, the airplane produced asymmetrical thrust and began to roll to the right, veering off the right side of the runway. Soon thereafter its right wing collided with a tree and the airplane impacted terrain in an open field. The airplane was consumed by fire shortly after the collision. Post crash inspection found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction with the airframe or either engine.
Probable cause:
The pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around after one of the airplane's propellers struck the runway.
Final Report:

Crash of a Socata TBM700 in Kennesaw: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 15, 2008 at 1457 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N484RJ
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Albany - Kennesaw
MSN:
333
YOM:
2005
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
975
Captain / Total hours on type:
44.00
Aircraft flight hours:
398
Circumstances:
During approach to runway 9, the tower controller instructed the pilot to perform an “S” turn 3 miles from the runway. The pilot initiated the “S” turn to the left, and after turning back to the right towards the runway to complete the other half of the turn, the controller advised the pilot that he did not need to finish the maneuver, and could turn onto final approach. The last recorded ground speed was 89 knots when the pilot banked the airplane sharply to the left at this time, witnesses stated that the airplane seemed to do a wing over onto its back and go straight down. Flight simulation tests revealed that while making a steep turn and not adding power, as the bank angle increased the airspeed would decrease and the airplane would enter an aerodynamic stall. Toxicology testing indicated that the pilot had been using tramadol, a prescription painkiller with potentially impairing effects. The pilot had not reported its use on his most recent application for airman medical certificate approximately 20 months prior to the accident. It is unclear what role, if any, the medication or the condition for which it might have been used played in the accident.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft BeechJet 400A in São José dos Campos

Date & Time: Jul 15, 2008 at 1130 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PT-WHF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
São Paulo - São José dos Campos
MSN:
RK-82
YOM:
1994
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4300
Captain / Total hours on type:
2811.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
540
Copilot / Total hours on type:
35
Circumstances:
The crew departed São Paulo-Congonhas Airport on a positioning flight to São José dos Campos. While descending to São José dos Campos, the captain led the controls to the copilot who was still under instruction. On final, the aircraft was too high on the glide. The captain took over controls but his reaction was excessive. The aircraft suddenly rolled to the right, causing the right wing to struck the ground few dozen metres short of runway 15 threshold. The aircraft landed and came to rest on the main runway. Both pilots evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The captain did not conduct a preflight briefing and then improvised during the descent by deciding to leave the controls to the copilot while he was still under instruction.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The copilot who was pilot-in-command on final was in his initial training process,
- The captain authorized the copilot to be the PIC while he was still under initial training,
- The captain was not qualified to operate as an instructor,
- The captain did not make any simulator training for more than two years,
- The copilot had never completed any simulator training since the beginning of his training,
- Lack of crew coordination,
- Poor judgment on part of the captain.
Final Report: