Country
code
CA
Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in Carlsbad: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Jun 15, 1994 at 1434 LT
Registration:
N421AG
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Carlsbad - Las Vegas
MSN:
421C-0843
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
1240.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2943
Circumstances:
About 2 minutes after takeoff, the pilot declared an emergency, stating that he had lost an engine and needed to return to the airport. The airplane descended into rough, brush-covered terrain and then struck a large dirt berm, about 1-1/2 miles northeast of the departure airport. Examination of the engines did not reveal any obvious mechanical malfunction. The fuel was correct. Combustion chamber signatures indicated that the engines were operated at a lean or mild detonation condition. The flaps were extended about 30 degrees and the landing gear was retracted. The surviving passenger could not recall any dramatic engine problems, only that the airplane could not maintain altitude. The pilot and front seat passenger were not wearing shoulder harnesses.
Probable cause:
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to raise the flaps and maintain altitude were factors in the accident.
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna T207A Skywagon in Banning: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Jun 9, 1994 at 1630 LT
Registration:
N6383H
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Burbank - San Diego
MSN:
207-0504
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
1160.00
Circumstances:
The PA-28, N4512Z, was westbound in level flight about 1,000 feet agl, about 2 miles north of an airport at which an intermediate stop was planned. The Cessna T207A, N6383H, was maneuvering in left turns while conducting aerial photography, and had just initiated a turn toward the east. The left wings of each aircraft were struck by the other airplane. Witnesses indicated that about 2 seconds before impact, the PA-28 attempted to avoid a collision by beginning a climbing right turn. Each aircraft continued past the other and then both spiraled to the ground. The weather conditions were clear, visibility 3 miles in haze. Neither airplane was in radar or voice contact with any FAA facility. All three occupants in both aircraft were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. The haze was a factor.
Final Report:
Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500A near Livermore: 4 killed
Date & Time:
May 19, 1994 at 1754 LT
Registration:
N601MK
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Hayward - Hayward
MSN:
500-1073-47
YOM:
1961
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The aircraft had not flown for 2 years. Before flight, a mechanic saw evidence of fuel leaking at drain holes in the left wing root, just aft of the main cabin door. He brought this to the attention of the pilotrated passenger, who shortly thereafter, departed in the aircraft with the pilot (pic), the aircraft owner and a passenger/mechanic. About 14 minutes after takeoff, radar data showed the aircraft transitioning from a climb to a descent, while in a 180°turn. Also, witnesses saw smoke/flames trailing from the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted trees and power lines, then it crashed in a small flat field in hilly terrain. Post-crash examination revealed melted aluminum spatters on the leading edge and underside of the left horizontal stabilizer. Also, 'focalized' fire damage was noted on the cabin behind the drain holes in the left wing root. Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana) was detected in the pilot-rated passenger's blood (0.004 ug/ml) and urine (0.010 ug/ml).
Probable cause:
A fuel system leak, inadequate preflight by the pilot (pic), and by the non-flying pilot/passenger intentionally allowing operation of the aircraft with a known deficiency (fuel leak). A factor related to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Final Report:
