Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in Baton Rouge

Date & Time: Jul 20, 2018 at 1430 LT
Registration:
N327BK
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge
MSN:
61-0145-076
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
28829
Captain / Total hours on type:
600.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1912
Circumstances:
The mechanic who maintained the airplane reported that, on the morning of the accident, the right engine would not start due to water contamination in the fuel system. The commercial pilot and mechanic purged the fuel tanks, flushed the fuel system, and cleaned the left engine fuel injector nozzles. After the maintenance work, they completed engine ground runs for each engine with no anomalies noted. Subsequently, the pilot ordered new fuel from the local fixed-based operator to complete a maintenance test flight. The pilot stated that he completed a preflight inspection, followed by engine run-ups for each engine with no anomalies noted and then departed with one passenger onboard. Immediately after takeoff, the right engine stopped producing full power, and the airplane would not maintain altitude. No remaining runway was left to land, so the pilot conducted a forced landing to a field about 1 mile from the runway; the airplane landed hard and came to rest upright. Postaccident examination revealed no water contamination in the engines. Examination of the airplane revealed numerous instances of improper and inadequate maintenance of the engines and fuel system. The fuel system contained corrosion debris, and minimal fuel was found in the lines to the fuel servo. Although maintenance was conducted on the airplane on the morning of the accident, the right engine fuel injectors nozzles were not removed during the maintenance procedures; therefore, it is likely that the fuel flow volume was not measured. It is likely that the corrosion debris in the fuel system resulted when the water was recently purged from the fuel system. The contaminants were likely knocked loose during the subsequent engine runs and attempted takeoff, which subsequently blocked the fuel lines and starved the right engine of available fuel.
Probable cause:
The loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from corrosion debris in the fuel lines. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic's and pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane before the flight.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B200GT Super King Air in Baker: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 2013 at 1310 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N510LD
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - McComb
MSN:
BY-24
YOM:
2007
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
15925
Captain / Total hours on type:
5200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
974
Circumstances:
The accident pilot and two passengers had just completed a ferry flight on the recently purchased airplane. A review of the airplane’s cockpit voice recorder audio information revealed that, during the ferry flight, one of the passengers, who was also a pilot, was pointing out features of the new airplane, including the avionics suite, to the accident pilot. The pilot had previously flown another similar model airplane, but it was slightly older and had a different avionics package; the new airplane’s avionics and flight management system were new to the pilot. After completing the ferry flight and dropping off the passengers, the pilot departed for a short cross-country flight in the airplane. According to air traffic control recordings, shortly after takeoff, an air traffic controller assigned the pilot a heading and altitude. The pilot acknowledged the transmission and indicated that he would turn to a 045 heading. The radio transmission sounded routine, and no concern was noted in the pilot’s voice. However, an audio tone consistent with the airplane’s stall warning horn was heard in the background of the pilot’s radio transmission. The pilot then made a radio transmission stating that he was going to crash. The audio tone was again heard in the background, and distress was noted in the pilot’s voice. The airplane impacted homes in a residential neighborhood; a postcrash fire ensued. A review of radar data revealed that the airplane made a climbing right turn after departure and then slowed and descended. The final radar return showed the airplane at a ground speed of 102 knots and an altitude of 400 feet. Examination of the engines and propellers indicated that the engines were rotating at the time of impact; however, the amount of power the engines were producing could not be determined. The examination of the airplane did not reveal any abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the accident pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during departure, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain, and that his lack of specific knowledge of the airplane’s avionics contributed to the accident.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during departure, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of specific knowledge of the airplane’s avionics.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 411A in Shreveport: 6 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1986 at 1540 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N49DD
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Shreveport - Baton Rouge
MSN:
411-0266
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
1554
Captain / Total hours on type:
164.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4609
Circumstances:
The pilot reportedly did an unusual amount of engine run-up before pulling onto the runway. He then performed another run-up before departing. This is evidence that he was aware of a problem with his aircraft. The engine(s) were popping and puffing black smoke during the ground run. Yet, the takeoff was continued. The popping and smoke puffing continued after liftoff. A noticeable loss of airspeed occurred during the climbout. The aircraft started the third roll (into the bad engine) before finally going inverted. The aircraft's allowable gross weight was exceeded by at least 205 pounds at takeoff, however, the center of gravity remained within its specified limits. Internal examination of the right engine exhibited evidence that it had operated at sometime on a mixture of gasoline and jet fuel. All six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional - pilot in command
2. (c) engine assembly, piston - burned
3. (c) fluid, fuel grade - improper
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
4. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #4: fire
Phase of operation: other
Final Report:

Crash of a Partenavia P.68C in Goudeau: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 1, 1986 at 0820 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3832E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - Bunkie
MSN:
270
YOM:
1983
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8200
Circumstances:
The pilot received a weather briefing indicating IMC conditions existed at the point of departure and at reporting stations near the point of the first intended landing (there was no reporting stations at the airport of intended landing). Weather conditions changed to VMC at the departure point and the pilot was cleared for takeoff on a special VFR departure. The pilot continued VFR flight for about 55 statute miles and collided with a 500 foot radio antenna at a point about 350 feet above the ground. The antenna was on a direct line between the points of departure and intended landing. The pilot reportedly was navigating by loran radio. Witnesses reported the upper half of the impacted antenna was obscured by fog when the accident occurred. Witnesses reported the visibility to be about one mile. The pilot, sole on board, wa killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) vfr flight into imc - intentional - pilot in command
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) light condition - daylight
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
4. (f) object - electrical tower (marked)
5. (f) object - guy wire
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
6. (f) terrain condition - open field
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690A in Pea Ridge: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 20, 1984 at 1920 LT
Registration:
N9229Y
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - Pea Ridge
MSN:
690-11122
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4900
Aircraft flight hours:
2857
Circumstances:
Pilot was cleared for VOR/DME approach to Rogers airport by Fayetteville approach control; Fayetteville altimeter setting of 29.85 (confirmed by recorded transcript) furnished. Pilot did not read back. During approach, aircraft impacted trees 25 feet agl at approximately 1,320 feet msl, 3 miles short of airport. Investigation showed pilot's altimeter set at 30.14 (altimeter would read 290 feet higher than aircraft actual altitude). Pilots's recall was that the 30.14 setting was furnished by approach control. Pilot further stated last recalled altitude reading was 1,750 feet. Approach plate shows 1,700 feet mda with Rogers altimeter setting; increase mda by 100 feet if using Fayetteville setting. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) air/ground communications - inattentive - pilot in command
2. (f) complacency - pilot in command
3. (f) altimeter setting - inaccurate - pilot in command
4. (f) ifr procedure - not followed - pilot in command
5. (c) minimum descent altitude - below - pilot in command
6. (f) terrain condition - high vegetation
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Baton Rouge: 3 killed

Date & Time: Oct 31, 1982 at 0505 LT
Registration:
N41045
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Baton Rouge - Charleston
MSN:
31-8252020
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1784
Captain / Total hours on type:
336.00
Aircraft flight hours:
290
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed and burned shortly after taking off in darkness on an IFR flight plan. The weather was reported as indefinite ceiling, zero obscuration, visibility 1/4 mile with fog, wind 120° at 5 knots. A number of witnesses heard the aircraft, both before and after takeoff. The consensus of their statements indicated that one engine lost power while the other continued running at a high power setting. An investigation revealed that an intense post crash fire had consumed most of the aircraft. There was evidence that the plane had crashed in a steep nose down, right wing low attitude and did not move after impact. The right propeller was found in a feathered position. The left propeller blades were curled and twisted. Both engines were disassemble, but no evidence of a mechanical failure was found. The gear and flaps were retracted and the cowl flaps were closed. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
Findings
2. (f) light condition - dark night
3. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
4. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
5. (f) weather condition - fog
6. (c) airspeed (VMC) - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (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 Rockwell Aero Commander 520 in Biloxi

Date & Time: Oct 16, 1981 at 1400 LT
Registration:
N2605B
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pensacola - Baton Rouge
MSN:
520-117
YOM:
1953
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1496
Captain / Total hours on type:
507.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was completing a ferry flight from Pensacola to Baton Rouge. While in cruising altitude, he contacted ATC and reported an engine fire. Cleared to descend, he attempted an emergency landing in a field but on touchdown, the airplane crash landed as the landing gear were not fully extended. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Wheels-up landing and fire on ground due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Powerplant - fuel systems: tanks improperly installed,
- Leak/leakage, fire in wing,
- Suspected mechanical discrepancy,
- Fumes in cabin,
- Fuel leak during first flight after fuel cell repair,
- Engine shutdown, fire after touchdown.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest II in the Atlantic Ocean: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 11, 1980 at 0123 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N441NC
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Shreveport – Baton Rouge
MSN:
441-0099
YOM:
1979
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
8000
Captain / Total hours on type:
65.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Shreveport, the twin engine airplane climbed to its assigned altitude when the pilot obtained the permission to modify his route to avoid a storm. Then the aircraft flew to the east and climbed to the excessive altitude of 41,600 feet (some 6,600 feet above the maximum certified altitude for the aircraft) and the radio contact was lost with the pilot. An Air National Guard Convair F-106 Delta Dart fighter aircraft was dispatched and its pilot confirmed that both occupants seems to be unconscious. After few minutes, both engines stopped due to lack of fuel and the airplane entered a spin and eventually crashed in the Atlantic Ocean about 100 miles east of Norfolk, Virginia. Few debris were found floating on water but the main wreckage was never found as well as both occupants, the pilot Louis Benscotter and the football and baseball coach Robert Edward 'Bo' Rein aged 34.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the accident was the result of a cabin depressurization that caused hypoxia due to a lack of oxygen was not ruled out.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair CV-240-1 near McComb: 6 killed

Date & Time: Oct 20, 1977 at 1852 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N55VM
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Greenville - Baton Rouge
MSN:
3
YOM:
1948
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
24
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
6802
Captain / Total hours on type:
68.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2362
Copilot / Total hours on type:
38
Aircraft flight hours:
29013
Circumstances:
The airplane was completing a charter flight from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, carrying members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. At 04:30 CDT on October 18, N55VM had arrived at the Greenville Downtown Airport, South Carolina, from Lakeland, Florida. While on the ground at Greenville, the aircraft had been refueled with 400 gallons of 100-octane, low-lead fuel. On October 20 at 16:02 CDT, the flight had departed Greenville Downtown Airport for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The pilot had filed an IFR flight plan with the Greenville Flight Service Station. The route of flight was to be Victor 20 Electric City, direct Atlanta, direct La Grange, direct Hattiesburg Victor 222 McComb, V194 and to Baton Rouge. The pilot requested an altitude of 12,000 ft and stated that his time en route would be 2 hours 45 minutes and that the aircraft had 5 hours of fuel on board. The pilot was also given a weather briefing. After reaching 12,000 ft, N55VM proceeded according to flight plan and at 18:39 was cleared to descend to and maintain 6,000 ft. This clearance was acknowledged. At 18:40 the flight told Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), "We're out of one two thousand for six thousand." About 18:42 N55VM advised Houston Center, "Yes, sir, we need to get to a airport, the closest airport you've got, sir." Houston Center responded by asking the crew if they were in an emergency status. The reply was, "Yes, sir, we're low on fuel and we're just about out of it, we want vectors to McComb, post haste please, sir." Houston Center gave the flight vectors to McComb and advised it to turn to a heading of 025°. N55VM did not confirm that a turn was initiated until 18:44. At 18:44:34, the pilot of N55VM said, "We are not declaring an emergency, but we do need to get close to McComb as straight and good as we can get, sir." At 18:45:12 N55VM advised Houston, "Center, five victor Mike we're out of fuel." The center replied, "Roger, understand you're out of fuel?" N55VM replied, "I am sorry, it's just an indication of it." The crew did not explain what that indication was. At 18:45:47 Houston Center requested N55VM's altitude. The response was, "We're at four point five." This was the last recorded communication between N55VM and the ARTCC. Several attempts were made by Houston Center to contact the flight but there was no response. At 18:55:51 an aircraft reported picking up a weak transmission from an emergency locator transmitter (ELT). The aircraft had crashed in heavily wooded terrain, during twilight hours, at an elevation of 310 ft near the town of Gillsburg, Mississippi. Both pilots, band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and the band's manager Dean Kilpatrick were killed in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Fuel exhaustion and a total loss of power on both engines due to crew inattention of fuel supply. Contributing to the fuel exhaustion were inadequate flight planning and an engine malfunction of undetermined nature in the right engine which resulted in a higher than normal fuel consumption. The following findings were reported:
- Both engines ceased to produce power because the aircraft's usable fuel supply was exhausted,
- The crew failed to monitor adequately the fuel flow, en route fuel consumption, and fuel quantity gages,
- The crew failed to take appropriate preflight and maintenance action to assure an adequate fuel supply for the flight,
- The crew operated the aircraft for an indeterminate amount of time before the accident with the right engine's mixture control in the auto-rich position.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 411 in Memphis

Date & Time: May 15, 1975 at 1000 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N617JC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Memphis - Baton Rouge
MSN:
411-0096
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4070
Captain / Total hours on type:
800.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Memphi Airport, while climbing, the right engine malfunctioned. The pilot elected to return but as he was unable to feather the propeller, he attempted an emergency landing in an open field located few miles from the airport. The aircraft belly landed and slid for dozen yards before coming to rest. All six occupants were injured, three of them seriously. The aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Engine malfunction after a failure of the propeller governor control system. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Propeller control P/N 5000009-10 broken at swaged on fitting, pilot secured the engine but was unable to return to the airport due to windmilling propeller.
Final Report: