Crash of a Howard 250 in Midland

Date & Time: Oct 3, 2004 at 1620 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6371C
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Midland – Boulder
MSN:
2598
YOM:
1943
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
18000
Captain / Total hours on type:
50.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2600
Copilot / Total hours on type:
20
Aircraft flight hours:
8999
Circumstances:
The 18,000- hour pilot was cleared for takeoff in the vintage twin-engine tail wheel equipped airplane on a 9,501- foot by 50- foot runway. The pilot was aware that there was a tailwind from approximately 160 degrees at 10 knots. Shortly after starting the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot was able to correct back to the centerline utilizing rudder control. The airplane then swerved to the left, and full right rudder was applied but the swerve could not be corrected. By the time the airplane reached the left edge of the runway, the airplane had not reached its calculated V2 speed of 110 knots. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, went airborne and shortly thereafter, the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. The airplane then spun 180 degrees, impacted the ground, slid backward, and came to rest upright. A post-crash fire consumed the aft fuselage and left wing.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing factors were the choice of runway used and the prevailing tailwind.
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18 LodeStar in Dallas

Date & Time: Dec 7, 1987 at 1729 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N400NY
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Antonio - Dallas
MSN:
18-2379
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
11500
Captain / Total hours on type:
782.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8735
Circumstances:
The right engine of the aircraft failed three times in flight. After the last failure near the middle marker the pilot feathered the propeller. The aircraft collided with power lines and the ground about 400 yards short of runway 31 at the Redbird Airport. The right fuel selector was positioned to the left rear tank and the left selector was positioned to the off position. The left wing tanks were intact and empty. Both engines had failed due to fuel exhaustion. Two airports were overflown that were adequate for landing and that had fuel available. This was the co-pilot's first flight.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (c) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
2. (f) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (c) fuel consumption calculations - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) refueling - not obtained - pilot in command
5. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
6. (f) object - wire, transmission
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
7. (f) terrain condition - rough/uneven
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Texarkana: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1986 at 0653 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N252K
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Little Rock - Texarkana
MSN:
2596
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
9766
Captain / Total hours on type:
276.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9534
Circumstances:
While approaching for a landing, the aircraft pitched up, rolled inverted and impacted the terrain to the left of the runway. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found; however, an investigation revealed the aircraft had been loaded with the center-of-gravity (cg) well behind the aft limit. The aircraft had been weighed on 9/8/84. Later, on 1/2/86, weight and balance data had been recomputed after removal of a radar and an autopilot, but an error had been made during the weight and balance preparation. Subsequently, the aircraft was operated in a tail heavy condition. Whether using the existing or the correct data, calculations for this flight should have shown the cg was behind the aft limit. The elevator trim tab was found trimmed to a full nose down position; 200 lbs of ballast had been installed in the vicinity of the aft cargo door. Tests of lung tissue showed the pilot and copilot had alcohol levels of 0,44‰ and 1,71‰, respectively. The pilot's urine tested 0,35‰ for alcohol. Also, phenyltoloxamine, acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine (medications commonly used in decongestants/antihistamines) were detected in his urine. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) planning/decision - improper
2. (c) impairment (alcohol) - pilot in command
3. (c) impairment (alcohol) - copilot/second pilot
4. (c) aircraft weight and balance - improper
5. (c) improper use of procedure - company/operator management
6. (c) improper use of procedure - pilot in command
7. Elevator trim - excessive
8. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
9. Airspeed - reduced
10. (c) aircraft handling - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18 Learstar II in Nanisivik

Date & Time: Aug 12, 1984
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FOZO
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
18-2209
YOM:
1942
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The undercarriage collapsed upon landing at Nanisivik Airport. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Undercarriage failure upon landing for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Oneonta: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 16, 1984 at 2330 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N77777
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
2373
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
13000
Circumstances:
At approximately 2330 est, witnesses near the crash site heard an aircraft, and shortly thereafter, they saw a flash. One of them, who was driving a car, went back to the area the next day and found the aircraft wreckage. The aircraft had crashed and burned about one mile from the approach end of runway 24. Wreckage was strewn along an area of about 250 feet long and was oriented on a heading of 230°. The aircraft was descending in an estimate 40° dive when it hit the ground. An exam of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of a malfunction. About 3,500 lbs of marijuana was found in the wreckage. The 2010 weather at the airport was: indefinite 500 feet obscuration, visibility 1 1/4 mile with rain and light fog, temperature 33°, wind from 280° at 5 knots. Another pilot had landed at 2015. He said his aircraft had accumulated a trace of rime ice. At the time of the accident, witnesses said the roads were lightly covered with ice snow. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) judgment - poor - pilot in command
2. Stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed - pilot in command
3. (f) flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
4. (f) light condition - night
5. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
6. (f) weather condition - fog
7. (f) weather condition - obscuration
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
8. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Silvana: 11 killed

Date & Time: Aug 21, 1983 at 1832 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N116CA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Silvana - Silvana
MSN:
2472
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
24
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
11
Captain / Total flying hours:
9000
Captain / Total hours on type:
110.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on a sport parachute flight to carry 24 parachutists to 12,500' over a drop zone (dz) for a mass jump. It was in a cargo configuration with no passenger seats, but it had one jump seat. There were 24 seat belts on the floor of the cargo area. Also, the cabin door had been removed and an unapproved step and 4 handholds were installed outside and forward of the cabin door for parachutists. The usual jump-run procedure was for the aircraft to be slowed to 95 to 100 knots, extend the gear and approach flaps and reduce power on the left engine. The jumpers remained in position without using seat belts until approaching the dz, then two moved outside the aircraft while others moved close to the doorway. The first jumpers were unaware of any problem, but saw the aircraft enter a steep bank, roll over and spiral nose down. 16 jumpers exited the aircraft, but three hit the stabilizer. The aircraft crashed in a near vertical descent. Investigation revealed the cg was behind the aft limit for takeoff and the jump. The elevator trim actuator was found in a position for full nose-up trim.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: other
Findings
1. Maintenance,modification - performed
2. (c) supervision - improper - company/operator management
3. (c) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded - pilot in command
4. Airspeed - reduced - pilot in command
5. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18 LodeStar in Millhaven: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jun 23, 1983 at 0157 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N333FB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
2467
YOM:
1957
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The aircraft collided with trees during an attempted off airport landing at night for marijuana unloading. The aircraft was being followed by a u.s customs helicopter, the occupants of this helicopter said the aircraft had made one missed approach and during the go-around on the downwind leg the aircraft descended until it hit the trees. There was a layer of 'scud' at about 100-200 feet agl. Visibility under the low lying intermittent cloud layer was about 2 miles. After the crash the helicopter landed about 30 yards away but approach on foot was not possible due to heat from the burning wreckage. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - VFR pattern - downwind
Findings
1. (c) altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
2. (c) diverted attention - pilot in command
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Madison

Date & Time: Jan 11, 1983 at 1450 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N520R
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Madison - Miami
MSN:
2183
YOM:
1941
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
15245
Captain / Total hours on type:
28.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10823
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that after he taxied to the rwy, the n°1 oil temperature was not up to the minimum temperature. He set the parking and advanced the n°1 throttle to 1,500 rpm until the engine warmed up. When both oil temperatures were within limits, he advanced both throttles to 30 inches manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm for a pretakeoff check. At that time, he used the normal (toe) brakes, since the parking brake would not hold the aircraft above approximately 1,700 rpm. He then applied full power and released the brakes for takeoff. As he started to roll with a slight left crosswind, the aircraft began drifting left. He corrected with right rudder, some right brake and right aileron. The aircraft then began drifting right and the pilot suspected a wind-shift from that direction. He applied left rudder and right aileron, but the plane veered right, went off the runway and headed for a ditch. Unable to stop, the pilot tried to clear the ditch. As the aircraft became airborne, the left wing dropped and hit the ground, and the aircraft yawed and crashed. The parking brake was found partially engaged. Tire marks were evident on the runway. All four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - on ground/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - roll/run
Findings
1. (c) parking brakes - inadvertent use - pilot in command
2. (f) lack of total experience in type of aircraft - pilot in command
3. (f) weather condition - crosswind
4. (f) directional control - not maintained - pilot in command
5. (f) ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Findings
6. (f) terrain condition - ditch
7. (f) lift-off - initiated - pilot in command
8. (f) stall/mush
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18 LodeStar near Kosciusko: 3 killed

Date & Time: Oct 18, 1982 at 0300 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1040G
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
2549
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2949
Captain / Total hours on type:
150.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was observed without lights making repeated low altitude passes over a pipeline right-of-way at night. The aircraft was equipped with an internal aux fuel tank, non-standard internal plumbing, a large lever-operated petroleum products pump, an inflatable raft and other survival equipment. The cabin door was not found at the crash site. The pilots departed Fort Lauderdale, FL on October 16 on a flight to the Bahamas and were expected to return on October 18.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) low pass - performed - pilot in command
2. (f) light condition - dark night
3. (f) object - tree(s)
4. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Palmyra Island

Date & Time: Jan 5, 1980 at 0700 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N163R
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Honolulu - Palmyra
MSN:
2492A
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Honolulu to the Palmyra Atoll, carrying amateur radio operators. After touchdown, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway and collided with trees. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and all nine occupants evacuated, some of them were injured. On approach, the pilot estimated cross wind gusting to 15 knots but the wind was calm below tree level on runway.
Probable cause:
Ground loop upon touchdown and subsequent collision with trees due to improper compensation for wind conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Windshear,
- Visibility 3 mils or less.
Final Report: