Crash of a Beechcraft C18S Expeditor in Waldron: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 23, 1999 at 1915 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N9729H
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Beaumont – Springdale
MSN:
8205
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
6860
Captain / Total hours on type:
860.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4400
Circumstances:
During a cross-country flight, the pilot of the twin-engine airplane reported to air traffic control that he has 'lost an engine.' A witness observed the right engine hanging from its lower mounts as the airplane turned right and headed towards the nearest airport. The airplane impacted trees approximately 1 mile short of the runway threshold. Examination of the right engine propeller revealed that one of its blades was separated about mid-span. The separated tip section of the blade was not recovered. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface revealed that the blade failed as a result of a fatigue crack that originated from corrosion pits on the camber surface (face) of the blade. The failed blade was examined approximately 6 hours prior to the accident in accordance with an airworthiness directive (AD 81-13-06 R2) that called for inspections of the blade for corrosion and fatigue. However, the inspections called out in the AD were only applicable to the blade fillet and shank regions, well inboard of the fracture location on the failed blade. Overhaul of the propeller in accordance with the propeller manufacturer's manual includes grinding of each blade to 'remove all visual evidence of corrosion.' According to the airplane's owner, the propellers had not been overhauled in the eight years that he had owned the aircraft. The maintenance records were destroyed in the accident, which precluded determination of the date and time of the last propeller overhaul. The accident airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and therefore, the propellers were not required to be overhauled at specified intervals.
Probable cause:
The separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight as a result of fatigue cracking emanating from surface corrosion pitting.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S in North Branch: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 22, 1993 at 1300 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N67E
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
North Branch - North Branch
MSN:
6252
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Circumstances:
The flight originated at 1235. The pilot performed two fly-by passes for the dedication of a nearby mall. The pilot radioed for clearance to land at the private airport which he owned. He was given clearance to land and told the wind was from the south at 20 knots. The pilot landed on runway 09. During landing roll, the airplane was seen to nose over. The cockpit, cabin, and left wing of the airplane were consumed by fire. The passenger escaped through the over-wing emergency exit on the right side of the cabin. He stated the pilot was lying near the rear door and would not respond to stimulus. The investigation revealed two skid marks in the grass which terminated at the airplane wreckage. The mark made by the right main landing gear was 750 feet long. The skid mark made by the left main landing gear was 560 feet long. The passenger was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Excessive use of brakes by the pilot-in-command.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S off Nanaimo: 7 killed

Date & Time: Jan 27, 1992
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FRVR
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nanaimo - Port Mellon
MSN:
6148
YOM:
1943
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The float equipped Beechcraft C18S was chartered to carry eight workers from Nanaimo to Port Mellon. After takeoff from the Nanaimo-Cassidy seaplane base, the pilot encountered difficulties to gain height. In poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft continued at a height of about 16 metres and rolled left and right. The aircraft entered a 30° left turn, causing the left wing tip to struck the water surface. The aircraft cartwheeled, crashed, exploded and sank. Quickly on the scene, in the Strait of Georgia, fishermen were able to rescue two passengers who were seriously injured (burned) while seven other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the aircraft suffered atmospheric turbulences after takeoff in poor weather conditions. The pilot was unable to gain sufficient height because of atmospheric turbulences and unfavorable currents. The aircraft was operated within limits while the pilot's experience was limited.

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S in Sheridan

Date & Time: Jul 17, 1982 at 1900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4758N
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Sheridan - Sheridan
MSN:
8440
YOM:
1945
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4000
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on a functional check flight. According to the pilot and a witness (employed by the pilot), the left brake was locked during touchdown. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over and a ground fire erupted which destroyed the plane. The pilot reported that the left brake had locked due to rust and corrosion and that the aircraft logbooks were destroyed in the fire. The pilot, sole on board, was uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: nose over
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
1. (c) landing gear,normal brake system - corroded
2. (c) maintenance - improper - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) landing gear,normal brake system – locked
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S Expeditor on Wassaw Island: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 4, 1980 at 0930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N35MS
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Charleston - Kings Bay
MSN:
6947
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
8000
Circumstances:
The crew departed Charleston-Executive Airport (Johns Island) in the morning on a flight to Kings Bay, Georgia, taking part to a mosquito control mission. En route, the twin engine airplane went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a wooded area located on Wassaw Island. The aircraft caught fire on impact and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent due to crew incapacitation. The aircraft was observed in shallow descent til impact. Dibrom 14 on board produces blinding fumes if atomized. Liquid chemical toxic.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S off West Falmouth

Date & Time: Jul 30, 1973 at 1100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N44565
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Norfolk - Norfolk
MSN:
6859
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2700
Captain / Total hours on type:
280.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, departed Norfolk in the morning on a local pleasure flight. While flying over the ocean, he elected to transfer fuel from the right tank to the left tank when both engines failed simultaneously. Unable to restart them, he attempt to ditch the aircraft few miles off West Falmouth. The aircraft sank and was lost while the pilot was uninjured.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure in flight caused by a mismanagement of fuel. The following factors were reported:
- Inattentive to fuel supply,
- Fuel starvation,
- Pilot exhausted fuel from right tank, unable to restart on left tank.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C18S in Cleveland

Date & Time: Apr 28, 1973 at 1730 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6417C
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cleveland - Cleveland
MSN:
5549
YOM:
1943
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1676
Captain / Total hours on type:
103.00
Circumstances:
Following a local skydiving mission, the pilot was returning to Cleveland Airport. On final approach, both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion. The airplane lost height and while avoiding power cables, the pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in an open field. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot was injured.
Probable cause:
Failure of both engines due to fuel exhaustion. The following factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Evasive manoeuvre to avoid collision,
- High obstructions,
- Complete engine failure on both engines,
- Pilot had to maneuver to avoid power lines on final approach.
Final Report: