Wyoming

N40443 was contracted by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to spray grasshoppers. Investigation revealed the pilot held a private certificate with asmel ratings. His medical certificate was denied because he failed to provide information concerning high blood pressure and alcoholism. Copilot held a commercial certificate with asel rating. No evidence was found to indicate that either pilot had any operating experience in the Martin 404 aircraft. Former employees of operator stated that N40443 was not well maintained. The ADI system and interior lights were inoperative. Weight of aircraft at the time of accident was calculated to be 44,492 pounds. The max gross total weight for a 'dry' takeoff from a 4,500 foot runway was approximately 37,900 pounds. The flight manual performance charts indicate that a runway length of over 5,500 feet would be needed for an aircraft at 44,492 pounds. The aircraft collided with a dirt bank during takeoff. All three occupants were killed.

The pilot departed Olathe, KS, en route to Jackson, WY. The pilot radioed the Denver EFAS and reported his position as 56 miles northwest of Casper, WY. There was no further radio communication with N114CM. The pilot's wife stated after the accident that the pilot had a habit of taking a 'cat nap' when he flew. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

This part 135 IFR flight was inbound for landing at Laramie, Wyoming. During the en route and approach for landing portions of the flight the aircraft picked up a moderate to heavy load of ice. During the landing flare the aircraft stalled, hit the runway, bounced, veered off the runway, and struck a VASI lighting system. The left landing gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded to a stop. All nine occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The aircraft departed the airport in IFR conditions (snowing) and was observed staggering into the air. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft struck power lines and crashed into homes in a residential area. Investigation revealed that the aircraft had accumulated ice and in addition was over certified max gross weight. There was no evidence of airframe, flight control or engine failure/malfunction prior to impact with the power lines.

About 10 minutes after takeoff at 1005 mdt, the pilot was cleared to climb to FL190. This was ATC's last communication with the aircraft. At 1030:39, the controller attempted to contact the pilot to advise that he had lost radar contact and to recycle the transponder and squawk 6062. There was no response. Two witnesses reported seeing the aircraft just before it impacted the ground. According to them, they saw fire and/or an explosion before impact and one witness reported the aircraft broke up after it came below an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 feet ceiling. However, the wreckage was scattered over a 2 miles area. An exam revealed evidence of a catastrophic in-flight breakup from overload which included positive overload of both wings. Radar data showed that just before radar contact was lost, the aircraft's speed varied between 221 and 272 knots, heading varied from 072° to 014° and vertical velocity varied from +300 to -2,400 feet/min. Thunderstorms, turbulences, rain and cloud tops to 25,000 feet were reported. Probable light to moderate icing in clouds above the freezing level of 14,000 feet. Aircraft had weather radar aboard. All four occupants were killed.

The aircrew of a Cessna 340, N5415M, were scheduled for an air taxi check ride with an inspector at Jackson, WY, later in the afternoon. They had planned to takeoff from Rock Springs, WY, practice at few instrument approaches at Rock Springs, then proceed to Jackson. After taking off, they made an NDB approach, made a missed approach, then began an ILS approach. A Beech Bonanza, N1825F, was on a flight from Scottsbluff, NE to Rock Springs. During arrival to Rock Springs, the Bonanza pilot was monitoring the position of a King Air that was ahead of him and also on an approach to the same airport. All three aircraft were using the same frequency and all three were providing reports of their respective positions. At approximately 1103 mdt, witnesses heard N5415M and N1825F collide, then saw the aircraft and pieces of wreckage falling. An investigation revealed the Cessna was inbound toward the outermarker (270° course) and the Bonanza was in level flight, heading approximately 219°. Both aircraft were operating VFR. All six occupants in both aircraft were killed.

Before departing, the pilot obtained a weather briefing and was advised of a sigmet which forecasted severe turbulence below 18,000 feet, strong up/downdrafts, strong surface winds and wind shear near mountains and in passes. He took off with full fuel tanks and approximately 400 lbs of cargo on board. ARTCC reported that the en route portion of the flight was handled routinely. During arrival, the pilot contacted the airport unicom for a landing advisory. A King Air pilot was arriving at about the same time and asked the Aerostar pilot if he was making a full stop. The Aerostar pilot replied that he was. The King Air pilot lost sight of the Aerostar and began a 360° turn. He asked the Aerostar pilot to advise of his position, and shortly thereafter, the Aerostar pilot transmitted three mayday calls. Reportedly, the aircraft nosed up and went into a steep right bank just before impact. No preimpact mechanical failure/malfunction was found. There was evidence that most of the cargo was in the baggage compartment (limited to 240 lbs) and could have moved the CofG well beyond the aft limit. Elevator trim found full nose down. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

After takeoff from Saratoga-Shively Field, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane crashed in a right descending turn, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.

While in cruising altitude on a flight from Lander to North Platte, Nebraska, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent then crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed.

Shortly after takeoff from Casper-Natrona County Airport, while climbing, the single engine airplane struck trees and crash landed in a field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.