Crash of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Culiacán Rosales

Date & Time: Nov 5, 2007 at 0850 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
XA-UBC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Culiacán Rosales – Cabo San Lucas
MSN:
208B-1046
YOM:
2004
Flight number:
CFV126
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from runway 02, the pilot initiated a 180 turn when the aircraft stalled and crashed in an open field located one km from the airport, coming to rest upside down. All 15 occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Boeing 737-230 in Malang

Date & Time: Nov 1, 2007 at 1324 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
PK-RIL
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Jakarta – Malang
MSN:
22137/788
YOM:
1981
Flight number:
RI260
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
89
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
19357
Captain / Total hours on type:
10667.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2300
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1528
Aircraft flight hours:
57823
Circumstances:
On 1 November 2007, a Boeing Company B737-200 aircraft, registered PK-RIL, operated by PT. Mandala Airlines as flight number MDL 260, was on a scheduled passenger flight from Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, to Abdurrachman Saleh Airport, Malang, East Java. The pilot in command (PIC) was the handling pilot, and the copilot was the support/monitoring pilot. There were 94 persons on board the aircraft, consisting of two pilots, three cabin crew, and 89 passengers. The aircraft landed at Malang at 1324 Western Indonesian Standard Time (06:24 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). It was reported to have been raining heavily when the aircraft landed on runway 35 at Malang. The aircraft bounced twice after the initial severe hard landing, and the lower drag strut of the nose landing gear fractured, resulting in the rearwards collapse of the nose landing gear and separation of the lower nose landing gear shock strut and wheel assembly. The aircraft’s nose then contacted the runway, and the aircraft came to rest 290 metres before the departure end of runway 17. The crew subsequently reported that during the visual segment of the landing approach, they realized that the aircraft was too high with reference to the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) for runway 35. The PIC increased the aircraft’s rate of descent (ROD) to capture the PAPI. The high ROD was not arrested, and as a consequence, the severe hard landing occurred which substantially damaged the aircraft. No one of the passengers or crew was injured.
Probable cause:
The flight crew did not appear to have an awareness that the aircraft was above the desired approach path to runway 35 at Malang until they sighted the visual approach slope indication lighting system. The pilot in command continued the approach in reduced visibility and heavy rain; marginal visual meteorological conditions. Non-adherence by the flight crew to stabilized approach procedures, which resulted in the initial severe hard landing at Malang, together with the omission of a high bounced landing recovery, resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The following findings were identified:
- The PIC allowed the approach at Malang to become unstabilized and did not correct that condition.
- The PIC continued the approach in reduced visibility and heavy rain; marginal visual meteorological conditions.
- Neither pilot responded appropriately to the ground proximity warning system voice aural ‘SINK RATE’ or ‘PULL UP’ warnings that sounded during the final approach to Malang.
- The PIC did not initiate action to recover from the high bounced landing following the initial severe hard landing impact.
- The PIC did not ensure that effective crew coordination was maintained during the landing approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Fokker F27 Friendship 200 in Panama City

Date & Time: Oct 31, 2007 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HP-1541PST
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Panama City – Bocas del Toro
MSN:
10297
YOM:
1966
Flight number:
PST980
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
17806
Aircraft flight hours:
33398
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from runway 36, while climbing to a height of 50 feet, the crew raised the landing gear when the aircraft stalled. It landed back on the runway about 380 metres from the runway end. It slid on all this distance, overran then turned to the left and came to rest in a grassy area about 60 metres past the runway end. All 13 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The stall that occurred during the initial climb was the result of the copilot's confusion in interpreting the information transmitted by the captain which led him to initiate the rotation before reaching the speed of 95 knots (V1). The crew could not obtain sufficient power from both engines because they had not activated the methanol water system in view of the existing meteorological conditions, the wet runway and the takeoff weight, which remains a contributing factor.
Final Report:

Crash of an Ilyushin II-76TD in Bamako

Date & Time: Oct 31, 2007
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
5A-DNQ
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
00434 54641
YOM:
1984
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Upon landing at Bamako-Senou Airport, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and all six crew members evacuated safely. The exact date of the mishap remains unknown, somewhere in October 2007.

Crash of a Cessna 650 Citation III in Atlantic City

Date & Time: Oct 27, 2007 at 1110 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N697MC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Farmingdale – Atlantic City
MSN:
650-0097
YOM:
1985
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9472
Captain / Total hours on type:
199.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2535
Copilot / Total hours on type:
120
Aircraft flight hours:
7052
Circumstances:
The first officer was flying the Area Navigation, Global Positioning System, approach to runway 22. During the approach, the airplane was initially fast as the first officer had increased engine power to compensate for wind conditions. Descending below the minimum descent altitude (MDA), the first officer momentarily deployed the speed brakes, but stowed them about 200 feet above ground level (agl), and reduced the engine power to flight idle. The airplane became low and slow, and developed an excessive sink rate. The airplane subsequently landed hard on runway 22, which drove the right main landing gear into the right wing, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing spar. The first officer reported intermittent airspeed fluctuations between his airspeed indicator and the captain's airspeed indicator; however, a subsequent check of the pitot-static system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airspeed indicators. About the time of the accident, the recorded wind was from 190 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 24 knots; and the captain believed that the airplane had encountered windshear near the MDA, with the flaps fully extended. Review of air traffic control data revealed that no windshear advisories were contained in the automated terminal information system broadcasts. Although the local controller provided windshear advisories to prior landing aircraft, he did not provide one to the accident aircraft. Review of the airplane flight manual (AFM) revealed that deploying the speed brakes below 500 feet agl, with the flaps in any position other than the retracted position, was prohibited.
Probable cause:
The first officer's failure to maintain airspeed during approach, and the captain's inadequate remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the first officer's failure to comply with procedures, windshear, and the lack of windshear warning from air traffic control.
Final Report:

Crash of an Airbus A320-214 in Butuan

Date & Time: Oct 26, 2007 at 0645 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
RP-C3224
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Manila - Butuan
MSN:
753
YOM:
1997
Flight number:
PR475
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
148
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful flight from Manila-Ninoy Aquino Airport, the crew started the approach to Butuan Airport in good weather conditions. After landing on runway 12/30 which is 1,965 metres long, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, went down an embankment and came to rest in a coconut grove. The cockpit was partially destroyed and both pilots were seriously injured while 32 passengers escaped with minor injuries. 120 other occupants were unhurt and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the aircraft landed too far down the runway, reducing the landing distance available.

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Chibougamau: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 25, 2007 at 0859 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FNIF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Val d’Or – Chibougamau
MSN:
B-178
YOM:
1973
Flight number:
CRQ501
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1800
Captain / Total hours on type:
122.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1022
Copilot / Total hours on type:
71
Circumstances:
The Beechcraft A100 (registration C-FNIF, serial number B-178), operated by Air Creebec Inc. on flight CRQ 501, was on a flight following instrument flight rules between Val-d’Or, Quebec, and Chibougamau/Chapais, Quebec, with two pilots on board. The aircraft flew a non-precision approach on Runway 05 of the Chibougamau/Chapais Airport, followed by a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft descended below the cloud cover to the left of the runway centreline. A right turn was made to direct the aircraft towards the runway, followed by a steep left turn to line up with the runway centreline. Following this last turn, the aircraft struck the runway at about 500 feet from the threshold. A fire broke out when the impact occurred and the aircraft continued for almost 400 feet before stopping about 50 feet north of the runway. The first responders tried to control the fire using portable fire extinguishers but were not successful. The Chibougamau and Chapais fire departments arrived on the scene at about 0926 eastern daylight time, which was about 26 minutes after the crash. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. The two pilots suffered fatal injuries.
Probable cause:
Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors:
1. The aircraft was configured late for the approach, resulting in an unstable approach condition.
2. The pilot flying carried out a steep turn at a low altitude, thereby increasing the load factor. Consequently, the aircraft stalled at an altitude that was too low to allow the pilot to carry out a stall recovery procedure.
Findings as to Risk:
1. The time spent programming the global positioning system reduced the time available to manage the flight. Consequently, the crew did not make the required radio communications on the mandatory frequency, did not activate the aircraft radio control of aerodrome lighting (ARCAL), did not make the verbal calls specified in the standard operating procedures (SOPs), and configured the aircraft for the approach and landing too late.
2. During the second approach, the aircraft did a race-track pattern and descended below the safe obstacle clearance altitude, thereby increasing the risk of a controlled flight into terrain. The crew’s limited instrument flight rules (IFR) experience could have contributed to poor interpretation of the IFR procedures.
3. Non-compliance with communications procedures in a mandatory frequency area created a situation in which the pilots of both aircraft had poor knowledge of their respective positions, thereby increasing the risk of collision.
4. The pilot-in-command monitored approach (PICMA) procedure requires calls by the pilot not flying when the aircraft deviates from pre-established acceptable tolerances. However, no call is required to warn the pilot flying of an approaching steep bank.
5. The transfer of controls was not carried out as required by the PICMA procedure described in the SOPs. The transfer of controls at the co-pilot’s request could have taken the pilot-in-command by surprise, leaving little time to choose the best option.
6. Despite their limited amount of IFR experience in a multiple crew working environment, the two pilots were paired. Nothing prohibited this. Although the crew had received crew resource management (CRM) training, it still had little multiple crew experience and consequently little experience in applying the basic principles of CRM.
Other Findings:
1. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) had activated after the impact but due to circuit board damage its transmission power was severely limited. This situation could have had serious consequences had there been any survivors.
2. The Chibougamau/Chapais airport does not have an aircraft rescue and firefighting service. Because the fire station is 23 kilometres from the airport, the firefighters arrived at the scene 26 minutes after the accident.
3. Although this accident does not meet the criteria of a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), it nonetheless remains that a stabilized constant descent angle (SCDA) non-precision approach (NPA) would have provided an added defence tool to supplement the SOPs.
4. After the late call within the mandatory frequency (MF) area, the specialist at the Québec flight information centre asked the crew about its familiarity with the MF area while the aircraft was in a critical phase of the first approach, which was approaching the minimum descent altitude (MDA). This situation could have distracted the flight crew while they completed important tasks.
5. The standard checklist used by the flight crew made no reference to the enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS). Therefore, the crew was not prompted to check it to ensure that it was properly activated before departure.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35A in Goodland

Date & Time: Oct 17, 2007 at 1010 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N31MC
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Fort Worth - Goodland
MSN:
35A-270
YOM:
1979
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
20000
Captain / Total hours on type:
7000.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
9500
Copilot / Total hours on type:
700
Aircraft flight hours:
5565
Circumstances:
According to the flight crew, they exited the clouds approximately 250 feet above ground level, slightly left of the runway centerline. The pilot not flying took control of the airplane and adjusted the course to the right. The airplane rolled hard to the right and when the pilot corrected to the left, the airplane rolled hard to the left. The airplane impacted the ground in a right wing low attitude, resulting in substantial damage. Further examination and testing revealed anomalies with the yaw damper and spoileron computer. According to the manufacturer, these anomalies would not have prevented control of the airplane. Greater control wheel displacement and force to achieve a desired roll rate when compared with an operative spoileron system would be required. The result would be a slightly higher workload for the pilot, particularly in turbulence or crosswind conditions. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560F in Cumberland: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 14, 2007 at 1030 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6370U
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cumberland - Atlantic City
MSN:
560-1416-68
YOM:
1964
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
21000
Aircraft flight hours:
3705
Circumstances:
The airplane was loaded to within a few hundred pounds of its maximum gross takeoff weight, and departed from an airport located in a valley, surrounded by rising terrain. Although visual conditions prevailed at the accident airport, fog was present in the adjacent valleys. During the initial climb after takeoff, the right engine lost partial power due to a failure of the number one cylinder exhaust valve. The pilot secured the right engine; however, he was unable to maintain a climb with only the left engine producing power. The airplane was manufactured in 1964. Review of weight and performance data published at the time of manufacture, revealed that the airplane should have been able to climb about 400 feet-per-minute with a single engine producing power. No current weight and balance data was recovered, and due to impact and fire damage, the preimpact power output of the left engine could not be determined. Both engines were last overhauled slightly more than 12 years prior to the accident, and flown about 310 hours during that time. For the make and model engine, the manufacturer recommended overhaul at 1,200 hours of operation, or during the twelfth year.
Probable cause:
A partial power loss in the right engine due to the failure of the number one exhaust valve, and the airplane's inability to maintain a climb on one engine for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident were fog and rising terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 in Istanbul

Date & Time: Oct 11, 2007 at 1929 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
SU-BOY
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hurghada - Warsaw
MSN:
53191/2151
YOM:
1996
Flight number:
AMV4270
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
156
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
En route from Hurghada to Warsaw, while cruising over Turkey, the crew contacted ATC and reported electrical and hydraulic problems. The crew was cleared to divert to Istanbul-Atatürk Airport for an emergency landing. After touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran and came to rest near the ILS antenna after both main gears collapsed. All 163 occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.