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Crash of a Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ1 in West Gardiner: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 2008 at 1748 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N102PT
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Augusta - Lincoln
MSN:
525-0433
YOM:
2001
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3522
Aircraft flight hours:
1650
Aircraft flight cycles:
1700
Circumstances:
The instrument-rated private pilot departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight plan in near-zero visibility with mist, light freezing rain, and moderate mixed and clear icing. After departure, and as the airplane entered a climbing right turn to a track of about 260 degrees, the pilot reported to air traffic control that she was at 1,000 feet, climbing to 10,000 feet. The flight remained on a track of about 260 degrees and continued to accelerate and climb for 38 seconds. The pilot then declared an emergency, stating that she had an attitude indicator failure. At that moment, radar data depicted the airplane at 3,500 feet and 267 knots. Thirteen seconds later, the pilot radioed she wasn't sure which way she was turning. The transmission ended abruptly. Radar data indicated that at the time the transmission ended the airplane was in a steep, rapidly descending left turn. The fragmented airplane wreckage, due to impact and subsequent explosive forces, was located in a wooded area about 6 miles south-southwest of the departure airport. Examination of the accident site revealed a near vertical high-speed impact consistent with an in-flight loss of control. The on-site examination of the airframe remnants did not show evidence of preimpact malfunction. Examination of recovered engine remnants revealed evidence that both engines were producing power at the time of impact and no preimpact malfunctions with the engines were noted. The failure, single or dual, of the attitude indicator is listed as an abnormal event in the manufacturer's Pilot's Abbreviated Emergency/Abnormal Procedures. The airplane was equipped with three different sources of attitude information: one incorporated in the primary flight display unit on the pilot's side, another single instrument on the copilot's side, and the standby attitude indicator. In the event of a dual failure, on both the pilot and copilot sides, aircraft control could be maintained by referencing to the standby attitude indicator, which is in plain view of the pilot. The indicators are powered by separate sources and, during the course of the investigation, no evidence was identified that indicated any systems, including those needed to maintain aircraft control, failed. The pilot called for a weather briefing while en route to the airport 30 minutes prior to departure and acknowledged the deteriorating weather during the briefing. Additionally, the pilot was eager to depart, as indicated by comments that she made before her departure that she was glad to be leaving and that she had to go. Witnesses indicated that as she was departing the airport she failed to activate taxi and runway lights, taxied on grass areas off taxiways, and announced incorrect taxi instructions and runways. Additionally, no Federal Aviation Administration authorization for the pilot to operate an aircraft between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet could be found; the IFR flight plan was filed with an en route altitude of 38,000 feet. The fact that the airplane was operating at night in instrument meteorological conditions and the departure was an accelerating climbing turn, along with the pilot's demonstrated complacency, created an environment conducive to spatial disorientation. Given the altitude and speed of the airplane, the pilot would have only had seconds to identify, overcome, and respond to the effects of spatial disorientation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise near Rock: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 4, 1998 at 2058 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N5LN
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Augusta - Augusta
MSN:
799
YOM:
1980
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3136
Captain / Total hours on type:
300.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
22770
Copilot / Total hours on type:
420
Aircraft flight hours:
4712
Circumstances:
The airplane's left engine had been overhauled and required an in-flight Negative Torque Sensing (NTS) check. The procedures required that the left engine be shut down during the test flight. The test flight was conducted at night. The pilots were briefed that there was icing and moderate rime icing mixed below 15,000 feet in clouds and precipitation. The cloud bases were between 2,500 to 2,900 feet agl. After departure, the pilot reported to ATC that they were clear and on top of the clouds at about 6,500 feet msl. N5LN was assigned a 180 degree heading at an assigned altitude of 8,000 feet. Without notification to ATC, N5LN turned to a southeast heading, descended from 7,700 feet to about 5,500 feet, and decelerated from about 182 kts to about 138 kts. ATC assigned N5LN a block altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet and a VFR-On-Top clearance. ATC instructed N5LN to turn right to stay in the assigned airspace. N5LN turned right but continued to descend from about 5,500 feet to the last radar indication of 4,500 feet. The airplane impacted the ground in a steep attitude. The inspection of the wreckage indicated the landing gear was down, and with full right rudder trim and about six degrees nose up trim. The examination of the engines indicated both engines were rotating and operating at the time of impact. The examination of the airframe and propellers found no pre-existing anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft and made an improper evaluation of the weather. Additional factors were flying a test flight at night with the icing conditions in the clouds.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair CV-240-27 near Hampton

Date & Time: Mar 7, 1997 at 1400 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N357T
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Griffin - Augusta
MSN:
340
YOM:
1953
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
18000
Captain / Total hours on type:
35.00
Aircraft flight hours:
16331
Circumstances:
About two minutes into the flight, the pilot noticed a high cylinder head temperature on the right engine. The pilot opened the cowl flap doors and the cylinder head temperature dropped 200 degrees. When the pilot noticed a reduction in right engine power, he elected to shut down the engine. The copilot was instructed to secure the right engine in accordance with the emergency procedures. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot selected an emergency landing to a large open field, and the landing gear collapsed during the landing. Examination of the airplane at the accident site disclosed that the engine cowl flaps on both engines were in the open position. Examinations of the right engine subsystems failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure. A review of the normal and emergency procedures for the aircraft disclosed that the cowl flaps normal position for the shutdown engine is closed. A review of the aircraft performance data revealed that the airplane was capable of maintaining flight and a climb attitude with one engine. There was no cargo on the airplane. During the pilot's subsequent type rating reexamination in the Convair 240-27, the pilot failed to demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge in emergency procedures during the oral examination. The pilot subsequently surrendered the Convair 240-27 type rating to the FAA.
Probable cause:
A partial loss of power on one engine for undetermined reason(s), and the pilot's failure to follow aircraft emergency procedures. A factor was inadequate transition/upgrade training.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Elizabethton: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 7, 1994 at 0810 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N64LB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Augusta - Elizabethton
MSN:
31-7852127
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
7800
Aircraft flight hours:
2910
Circumstances:
The ATP and his passenger were en route to pick up a patient for transport to a VA hospital. The destination airport was uncontrolled, and VFR only. The pilot cancelled with ATC and reported the field in sight. The airport was reporting VFR conditions, but rising, mountainous terrain existed to the northeast, and local authorities reported that the top third of the mountain was obscured in clouds during the morning of the accident. After cancelling IFR, no subsequent radio calls were received from the flight, and the flight did not arrive at its destination. The wreckage was found several hours later near the crest of holston mountain, 1/2 mile east of the Holston mountain VOR. An examination of the wreckage indicated the aircraft impacted upsloping, wooded terrain, while at a climb angle of 8°. Disintegration of the wreckage was indicative of a high speed impact. No evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure was found during the examination of the wreckage. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's attempted VFR flight into imc conditions, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds and obscuration at the accident site.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 500 Citation I in Bluefield: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jan 21, 1981 at 0844 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N501GP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Augusta - Bluefield - Frederick
MSN:
500-0026
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
10463
Captain / Total hours on type:
3642.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4748
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1216
Aircraft flight hours:
4439
Circumstances:
The airplane overran the end of runway 23, following an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, crashed, and burned at the Mercer County Airport, Bluefield, West Virginia. The aircraft touched down between 500 and 2,000 feet on the runway which was covered with wet snow, and it did not decelerate normally. About 1,200 feet from the departure end of the runway, the pilot added engine thrust and rotated the aircraft for liftoff; however, it did not get airborne because of insufficient flying speed. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and struck three localizer antennas and a 10-foot embankment before it plunged down a steep, densely wooded hillside. The five occupants were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and postcrash fire.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's attempt to land on a slush covered runway with insufficient stopping distance available, and his delayed initiation of a go-around which resulted in there being insufficient runway available to complete the maneuver successfully. Contributing to the accident was the lack of adequate emphasis in the manufacturer's aircraft flight manual regarding the required aircraft landing/stop distances under wet and icy runway conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2-30 Marquise in Augusta

Date & Time: Apr 1, 1977 at 1620 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N100SW
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Atlanta - Augusta
MSN:
539
YOM:
1971
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
15000
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a ferry flight from Atlanta to Augusta. On approach to Augusta Airport, both engines flamed out almost simultaneously. The crew elected to make an emergency landing when the airplane struck trees and crashed in rough terrain. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure on final approach due to fuel exhaustion. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Inattentive to fuel supply,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Rough terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Skywagon in Atlanta: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 30, 1977 at 0139 LT
Registration:
N91073
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Atlanta - Augusta
MSN:
207-0057
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2750
Circumstances:
Just after liftoff, the single engine airplane encountered serious difficulties to gain height. It stalled and crashed in flames by the runway. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Deficiency, company maintained equipment, services, regulation,
- Aircraft 790 lbs over MTOW,
- CofG beyond aft limit.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 near Burnsville: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 9, 1972 at 1030 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N9051R
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Augusta - Bristol
MSN:
520-22
YOM:
1952
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3390
Captain / Total hours on type:
27.00
Circumstances:
While cruising in level altitude in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane struck a mountain and crashed in flames near Burnsville, North Carolina. The wreckage was found two days later near the mountain top and both occupants have been killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Visibility down to zero,
- Clouds obscured site.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Augusta: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 19, 1971 at 2140 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N595DE
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Boston - Augusta
MSN:
31-422
YOM:
1969
Flight number:
DE88
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
3100
Captain / Total hours on type:
625.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2468
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Boston-Logan at 2028LT bound to Augusta with seven passengers and a pilot on board. At the origin, the flight was scheduled to Rockland but it was not possible to land there due to foggy conditions. The flight was cleared for a VOR approach at 2114LT. At 2127LT, flight 88 reported a missed approach and was cleared for another VOR approach at that time. At 2140LT, the flight reported 'four miles out'. This was the last known transmission made by the flight. The wreckage was located in a heavily wooded area on Allen Hill at approximately the 520 foot level. Allen Hill is a prominent terrain feature which is 640 feet high, located approximately 4 nautical miles from the threshold of runway 17 and eight-tenth of a mile west of the approach radial. The pilot and two passengers were killed, two passengers received serious injuries and three passengers received minor injuries.
Probable cause:
The NTSB determines that the probable cause of this accident was the improper action of the pilot in discontinuing the execution of a non-precision instrument approach and attempting to maintain visual flight while operating in instrument flight conditions at an altitude below the level of obstructing terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401A in Fort Lauderdale: 4 killed

Date & Time: Dec 29, 1970 at 1531 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6235Q
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Augusta – Fort Lauderdale
MSN:
401A-0035
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
2575
Captain / Total hours on type:
418.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, the pilot was too close to a preceding Boeing 727 and was cautioned by ATC about wake turbulences. Shortly later, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed few miles short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control on final approach because the pilot failed to follow the approved procedures. The airplane encountered turbulences approximately 95 seconds behind and below a landing Boeing 727 flight path. The pilot was cautioned by tower about wake turbulences.
Final Report: