Zone

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain near Springfield: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 13, 1990 at 2044 LT
Registration:
N6KG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Springfield - Mount Vernon
MSN:
31-7952215
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2200
Aircraft flight hours:
2737
Circumstances:
The instrument-rated pilot departed Springfield, MO, at night on a VFR flight to Mt Vernon, MO. After taking off from runway 20, a right turn was made for a climb to 3,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, tower personnel lost radar contact with the aircraft and notified the FAA regional operation center. The aircraft crashed about 7 miles southwest of the airport. A witness reported seeing an aircraft descend out of low clouds in the area, but did not see the actual crash. An investigation revealed the aircraft crashed on an easterly heading, while at a high rate of speed. Impact occurred in a left wing down, nose low attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found. Also, no record of a preflight weather briefing was found. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Inadvertent flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his spatial disorientation, which resulted in loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, darkness, low ceiling, and fog.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 in Hagerstown

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1986 at 0324 LT
Registration:
N116CA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Akron - Mount Vernon
MSN:
500-1133-75
YOM:
1961
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3150
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
11034
Circumstances:
The pilot was on the fourth leg of a night cargo flight cruising at approximately 500 feet agl enroute to Mt Vernon, IL, when the aircraft struck some trees and subsequently collided with the ground. The engines and propellers were both torn down and tested and no evidence of malfunction was discovered. The pilot stated he did not recall the crash sequence at all. The pilot was wearing a 'walkman' radio at the time of the accident. He stated it was to help keep him awake, because he had fallen asleep at times in the past while flying night cargo.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. Object - tree(s)
2. (c) altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
3. Fatigue (flight schedule) - pilot in command
4. (f) light condition - night
5. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Mount Vernon

Date & Time: Dec 1, 1974 at 1730 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N3368Q
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mount Vernon - Cincinnati
MSN:
421B-0252
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4030
Captain / Total hours on type:
250.00
Circumstances:
The takeoff was attempted from a runway contaminated with snow windrows. During takeoff roll, the twin engine airplane was unstable and the pilot decided to lift off prematurely. The aircraft stalled then collided with a snow bank and crashed in flames. All four occupants were injured, two of them seriously.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb after the pilot failed to maintain directional control. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to abort takeoff,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Premature lift off,
- Snow on runway,
- Snow windrows.
Final Report:

Crash of a Stearman C-3B in Mount Vernon: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 29, 1929
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cleveland – Louisville
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot was performing a postal flight from Cleveland to Louisville. En route, he encountered low visibility due to foggy conditions and decided to reduce his altitude to establish a visual contact with the ground. The aircraft impacted trees and crashed in a wooded area. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.