Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-26 Islander in Moss Town

Date & Time: May 16, 2005 at 1230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C6-ASA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Freeport – South Bimini – Moss Town
MSN:
599
YOM:
1970
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6000
Aircraft flight hours:
16711
Circumstances:
On May 16, 2005 about 1230EST (1845Z), a Britten Norman Islander aircraft, registration C6-ASA crashed approximately 3nm northeast of the Moss Town International Airport. The Pilot reported, “about 35 minutes south of Nassau International Airport [MYNN] I noticed that my ground speed was very low. I continued with my flight to MYEF because I should have had 1 hour and 30 minutes of fuel. About 10 miles from MYEF my right engine quit then 2 minutes later my left engine quit. I then look a suitable place to land three miles from the airport.” The one (1) pilot and two (2) passengers received no serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed from impact sustained as it contacted the trees. The accident flight originated from Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas to Moss Town, Exuma, Bahamas with an intermediate stop in South Bimini, Bahamas. Visual Flight Rules Conditions existed at the time of the accident. The aircraft was operated by Flamingo Air Limited, a Bahamian Air Operator Certificate holder. Flamingo Air Limited operated as a Commuter, Unscheduled / On Demand Operator in commercial air transport. Flamingo Air Limited operated under the provision of the Bahamas Aviation Safety Regulations (BASR 2001). Its aircraft are maintained under the provision of Bahamas Aviation Safety Regulations (BASR 2001). The aircraft had flown a total of 2 flights including the accident flight. The pilot flew both flights [the same pilot later flew the accident flight]. The pilot reported no problems with the aircraft prior to the accident. There were no open MEL items. There were no open (uncorrected) mechanical irregularities written in the Technical and Journey Log. On May 15, 2005 the pilot uplifted a total of 130 gallons of fuel, which is the maximum capacity for this aircraft. Prior to the accident flight, the aircraft completed two flights, MYAM to MYGF [flown on May 15, 2005] which lasted 45 minutes and MYGF to MYBS [flown on May 16, 2005] which lasted 30 minutes. No fuel was uplifted prior to the next flight which was MYBS to MYEF, the accident flight [flown on May 16, 2005]. During post accident interviews, the pilot confirmed that he had not noticed anything unusual about the airplane. The pilot later surmised that he had simply run out of fuel.
Probable cause:
The Flight Standards Inspectorate determined that the probable cause of this accident as Fuel Exhaustion. The Pilot could not calculate the fuel for the intended journey. The Pilot used poor judgment when he elected to continue on to Moss Town International Airport rather than returning back to Nassau International Airport when he first experienced the problem.
Final Report:

Ground accident of a Douglas DC-9-51 in Minneapolis

Date & Time: May 10, 2005 at 1936 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N763NC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Columbus - Minneapolis
MSN:
47716/822
YOM:
1976
Flight number:
NW1495
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
94
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10811
Captain / Total hours on type:
6709.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3985
Copilot / Total hours on type:
3985
Aircraft flight hours:
67268
Aircraft flight cycles:
66998
Circumstances:
The DC-9 was taxiing to the gate area when it collided with a company A319 that was being pushed back from the gate. Prior to arriving at the destination airport, the DC-9 experienced a loss of hydraulic fluid from a fractured rudder shutoff valve located in the DC-9's right side hydraulic system. The left side hydraulic system had normal hydraulic pressure and quantity throughout the flight. The flightcrew elected to continue to the scheduled destination and declared an emergency while on approach to the destination airport. After landing, the emergency was negated by the flight crew and the airplane taxied to the gate. Flight data recorder information indicates the left engine, which provides power for the left hydraulic system, was shut down during taxi. The captain stated he did not remember shutting the left engine down, and that if he had, it would have been after clearing all runways. The first officer stated that he was unaware that the left engine was shut down. Upon arrival at the gate with the left engine shut down and no hydraulic pressure from the left system and a failure of the right hydraulic system, the airplane experienced a loss of steering and a loss of brakes. The flightcrew requested company maintenance to chock the airplane since they were unable to use brakes to stop the airplane. The crew said they were going to keep the "...engines running in case we have to use reversers..." The airplane began to roll forward and the captain applied reverse thrust but the reversers did not deploy. The airplane impacted the A319 with a speed of approximately 15.65 miles per hour to 16.34 miles per hour. Evacuation of the DC-9 was completed approximately 5:22 minutes after the collision and evacuation of the A319 occurred approximately 13:08 minutes after the collision. Examination of the left hydraulic system revealed no anomalies and examination of the right hydraulic system revealed a fractured rudder shutoff valve that displayed features consistent with fatigue. Following the accident, the airplane manufacturer issued a service letter pertaining to the replacement of the rudder shutoff valve based upon reliability information that was reported to them. The number of reports was greater than that of the Federal Aviation Administration's Service Difficulty Reports database, and less than the operators records.
Probable cause:
The Captain's decision to shutdown the left engine during taxi with no hydraulic pressure on the right side hydraulic system to effectively operate the brakes, steering, or thrust reversers. A factor was the fatigue fracture of the rudder shutoff valve which resulted in the loss of right side hydraulic pressure.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226TC Metro II in Thompson

Date & Time: May 10, 2005 at 1030 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FKEX
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
York Landing – Thompson
MSN:
TC-332
YOM:
1980
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
15
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
erimeter Aviation flight 914, a Metro II with 17 people on board, was on approach at Thompson, MB. The first officer flew the aircraft during the approach, and encountered turbulence and fluctuating airspeed. The captain took control at 200 feet agl. The aircraft was high and left of centreline. The captain added power, continued the approach and landed hard on runway 23 near the intersection with runway 32. After the aircraft arrived at the apron, a fuel leak was noted. The aircraft was inspected and damage was found in the wheel wells, wing leading edge, engine mounts and a wing-fuselage attachment point. No injuries were reported. Reported winds at 1400Z were 010 at 15-20 kts; 1500Z winds were 350 at 9 kts.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Córdoba: 6 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 2005 at 1926 LT
Registration:
LV-LXO
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Juan – Córdoba
MSN:
31-7552076
YOM:
1975
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
5914
Captain / Total hours on type:
240.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
485
Copilot / Total hours on type:
24
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was completing a charter flight from San Juan to Córdoba with seven passengers and two pilots on board. On approach to Córdoba-Ambrosio Taravella Airport by night, the crew encountered limited visibility due to poor weather conditions. The aircraft descended below the glide and collided with the inner marker antenna located about 700 metres short of runway 18 and crashed. Both pilots and four passengers were killed while three other passengers were seriously injured. Among those killed were the Argentinian racer Nicolas Vuyovich and Gustavo Ramonda, Director of the Toyota Corolla Racing Team who just won a race at the San Juan's autodrome.
Probable cause:
During a night approach in IMC conditions, the aircraft collided with the antenna of the inner marker after the crew descended below the MDA and deviated from the approach pattern. The following contributing factors were identified:
- The adverse weather conditions probably produced an optical illusion among the crew,
- The crew had only little training in instrument flights,
- Wrong altimeter setting,
- Absence of crew resources management,
- Poor crew coordination.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Skywagon in Barradas: 4 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 2005 at 1100 LT
Operator:
Registration:
RP-C3216
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Barradas - Barradas
MSN:
207-0333
YOM:
1976
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Barradas Airport located near Tanauan (Batangas), while in initial climb, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. It stalled and crashed in a coconut grove located in the village of Santor, near the airfield. The pilot and three passengers were killed while two others were seriously injured. All occupants were completing a local skydiving mission. Witnesses reported that the engine emitted white smoke shortly after rotation.
Probable cause:
Engine failure for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 690D Jetprop 900 in North Las Vegas: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 5, 2005 at 0914 LT
Registration:
N337DR
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
North Las Vegas – San Diego
MSN:
690-15007
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1880
Aircraft flight hours:
5026
Circumstances:
The passenger flying the airplane made a hard landing after the pilot had experienced an incapacitating cardiac event. Shortly after takeoff the pilot turned the plane around to return to the departure airport. He started coughing and then went unconscious. The passenger in the right seat, who had no piloting experience, took control of the airplane and made several landing attempts. During the fourth landing attempt he stalled the airplane at a low altitude. The airplane impacted terrain, landing flat on its belly a few hundred feet short of the runway. The autopsy report attributed the pilot's cause of death to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Probable cause:
The incapacitation of the pilot.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-8-103 in Hammerfest

Date & Time: May 1, 2005 at 1436 LT
Operator:
Registration:
LN-WIK
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Tromsø – Hammerfest
MSN:
394
YOM:
1995
Flight number:
WF921
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
27
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
12900
Captain / Total hours on type:
5500.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2100
Copilot / Total hours on type:
60
Aircraft flight hours:
20462
Aircraft flight cycles:
42997
Circumstances:
Widerøe flight WIF 921 took off from Tromsø airport (ENTC) at time 1401 with an estimated landing time at Hammerfest airport (ENHF) 1442. On board the aircraft, a DHC-8-103 with registration LN-WIK, were a crew of two pilots and one cabin attendant, 26 fare paying passengers and one passive cabin attendant. The crew had taken off from ENHF earlier in the day, when the weather and wind did not cause any problems. During the approach to ENHF the crew was informed about variable and occasional gusty wind from south-east. The wind direction favoured runway 23 and the crew planned the landing accordingly. The copilot was Pilot Flying (PF) and the commander was Pilot Not Flying (PNF). The copilot was newly hired and was flying under supervision. The crew was kept updated on the wind conditions by the AFIS operator, and at times the gusty wind conditions favoured runway 05. The copilot left the control to the commander who continued the approach to runway 05. Just before landing the wind direction veered to the right and increased in strength, resulting in a significant tail wind component. This resulted in a marked increase in the descent rate which the commander tried to stop by advancing to full power. However, the altitude was too low and the airplane touched down hard just inside the runway edge on runway 05. At touch down the right main landing gear leg failed. The airplane slid on the belly, right partly retracted main wheel and wing tip for some 650 m, and stopped just after the second (TWY B) turnoff to the apron. The fire and rescue vehicles were quickly at the scene and sprayed foam on the plane to prevent fire. The cabin attendant calmed the passengers who wanted to get out of the plane quickly due to smoke and burned smell in the cabin. It took 33 seconds from the commander ordered evacuation until this was initiated. The delay was mainly caused by the fact that the order did not get through the cabin’s Public Address (PA) system.
Probable cause:
The investigations show that Widerøe permitted landings in up to the maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 36 kt and in up to 10 kt tail wind during short field operations. AIBN recommends that Widerøe should review the wind limitations and prohibit tail wind component during landings on short runways in conditions with large variations in wind direction and strength. AIBN is issuing 7 safety recommendations.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA26AT Merlin IIB in Lawrenceville

Date & Time: Apr 26, 2005 at 1826 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N50KV
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Spartanburg – Lawrenceville
MSN:
T26-115
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Captain / Total hours on type:
3500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9415
Circumstances:
While executing an instrument approach to land on runway 25, the airplane collided with the runway, and collapsed the right main landing gear. The airplane subsequently burst into flames after the pilot and passenger exited the airplane. Post-accident examination of the engines found both the left and right engine fuel controls in a low power setting. Examination of the propeller control found both propellers at 30-degrees. The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical problems during flight.
Probable cause:
The pilot's improper landing flare that resulted in a hard landing.
Final Report:

Crash of an Antonov AN-12BP in Kabul

Date & Time: Apr 25, 2005
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
UN-11003
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Dubai – Kabul
MSN:
5 3 430 04
YOM:
1965
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After landing at Kabul Airport, following an uneventful cargo flight from Dubai, the aircraft became uncontrollable. It veered off runway to the left and came to rest. A small fire erupted near the undercarriage and was quickly extinguished. All six crew members were rescued but slightly injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Loss of control after a tyre burst shortly after touchdown.

Crash of a PZL-Mielec AN-2 in Sennoi-Baranovka

Date & Time: Apr 24, 2005 at 1740 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft was engaged in a crop spraying flight in the Sennoi area. During the takeoff roll, the left wheel separated. The aircraft went out of control, veered off runway to the left and collided with a parked truck, bursting into flames. Both pilots were injured, the captain seriously. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.