Zone

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500B in Buffalo: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 17, 1980 at 2335 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6395U
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Buffalo - §Huron
MSN:
500-1472-168
YOM:
1964
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
1045
Captain / Total hours on type:
451.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Buffalo Airport in blowing snow, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to maintain a positive rate of climb. It collided with ground and subsequently crashed. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to maintain a positive rate of climb,
- Low ceiling,
- High density altitude,
- Visibility one mile or less,
- Blowing snow,
- Mixtures found full rich,
- Airport elevation 4,951 feet.
Final Report:

Crash of a Pitcairn PA-6 Mailwing in Huron: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 22, 1930
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
NC643E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
28
YOM:
1929
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The airplane crashed in foggy conditions, killing the pilot, sole on board.

Crash of a Douglas M-3 in Huron: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 20, 1928
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
NC790
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
653
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
En route, the pilot lost his orientation due to a snowstorm. He decided to make an emergency landing when the aircraft hit the ground and crashed. The pilot was killed.