Sarasota

The first officer reported that during cruise flight, both propeller secondary low pitch stop (SLPS) lights illuminated, indicating the SLPS system prevented both propellers from going below the low pitch hydraulic mechanical stop. The right occurred first, then the left approximately 1 minute later. Emergency procedures to correct the condition were ineffective. The right propeller feathered at some point during the flight, and the first officer reported that while operating single engine, they experienced a problem with the propeller governor. The flight proceeded direct to an airport with short runways approximately 3.2 nautical miles (nm) northwest of their present position, rather than to an air carrier airport located 8.5 nm away. The captain entered a close-in right base to runway 35 (2,688 feet long runway), while flying at 155 knots (51 knots above single engine reference speed). He turned onto final approach with the landing gear and flaps retracted, but overshot the runway. The airplane contacted a taxiway near the departure end of intended runway, and then collided with several obstacles before coming to rest at a house located past the departure end of runway 35. A post crash fire consumed the cockpit, cabin, and sections of both wings. Post accident examination of the airframe, engines, and propellers revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. No determination was made as to the reason for the annunciation of both SLPS lights.

The flight had departed runway 32, under IFR, from a local reliever airport 35 miles south of the destination, and was cleared to intercept the ILS approach for runway 36R. Instrument meteorological conditions existed with a low scattered cloud layer beneath the 900 foot broken clouds. Visibility was 8 miles. The flight never stabilized on the inbound course and glide slope. After acquiring the runway visually, about 3 miles from the airport, the airplane dove for the runway, subsequently touching down with the landing gear retracted. The left propeller incurred greater damage than the right propeller. The airplane began to go around, pitched up, then entered a steep left, descending turn that continued until impact with the ground.

The pilot was deviating around weather during descent when he noted the fuel flow and manifold pressure on the left engine oscillating. Because the propeller was still turning he elected not to feather the left propeller. The airplane would not maintain altitude so he lowered the landing gear and ditched the airplane in a swamp. Examination of the left fuel tank revealed the fuel float valve actuators and float arms excessively worn. This condition would allow unmetered air into the fuel lines. Also noted was the condition of one of the left fuel valves that could jam open allowing the fuel pickup to unport and induce excessive air into the fuel lines.

The scheduled passenger flight departed without a flight plan and was last heard from while descending in attempt to remain in VFR conditions. Witnesses on the ground stated that there was extremely heavy rain and thunderstorms at the time of the accident. The wreckage was located the next day and evidence indicated that the airplane hit the ground in a 50° nose down attitude at a high rate of speed. Both occupants were killed.

On approach to Miami Airport, the crew did not get three greens and decided to return to Sarasota. On approach, engine number one and four were shut down and both other engines at an altitude of 500 feet. The airplane belly landed and slid for 1,800 feet before coming to rest. Both crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

After a normal run-up the copilot taxied the aircraft to the end of the 5,010-foot runway. The aircraft was then lined up with the runway slightly to the right of the centerline, the tail wheel was locked, and power was applied. As the aircraft progressed down the runway the tail came up and the copilot applied forward pressure to the control column. Shortly thereafter the airplane began to swerve to the left and when this was corrected it went too far to the right. A series of over-corrections followed which resulted in several swerves in both directions. As these maneuvers began the crew noted a five-inch drop in the manifold pressure of the left engine. At a speed of approximately 80 knots the aircraft again began turning to the left. The captain immediately took over the controls when he noticed a second drop of 25 inches in manifold pressure of the same engine. Both throttles were closed at once and he tried unsuccessfully to stop the turn. The turn developed into a skid and the main landing gear of the aircraft collapsed, rupturing the right wing fuel tank. The airplane cam to rest on the sodded area, off the runway, heading 180 degrees from its original takeoff position. Fire immediately occurred near the right engine nacelle. Under the supervision of the stewardess all passengers left the aircraft in a rapid, orderly manner through the main cabin door. The pilots left through the cockpit windows. The captain and copilot entered the cabin and made a recheck after all passengers were reported out and away from the aircraft. Local weather conditions at the time were: Ceiling 30,000 feet scattered, 600 feet scattered, visibility 12 miles, temperature 70, dewpoint 67, wind south 7. Atmospheric conditions were not conducive to carburetor ice.

The crew was performing a training mission from Sarasota to Lake Charles, Louisiana, with a group of 5 Dakota's. While cruising northeast of Tampa, weather conditions worsened with a squall line, heavy rain falls and turbulence. In flight, the left wing broke off. Out of control, the aircraft dove into the ground, partially disintegrated in the air and eventually crashed in a mangrove located southwest of Zephyrhills. All 13 occupants were killed.
Crew:
F/O Kenneth J. Drauch,
1st Lt James T. Havens,
1st Lt William E. Irby,
Pfc William B. Kennedy,
Avc Vernon L. Larson,
Avc Leland M. Leeds,
Avc Milton Lerner,
Avc Thomas B. Lloyd,
Avc Auton C. Martin,
Avc Richard P. McClellan,
Avc Peter P. Melnik,
1st Lt Michael J. Rossi,
Pfc Gerald U. Scruggs.

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. All five crew members were killed.

For undetermined reasons, the aircraft overshot and crashed. There was no casualties but the aircraft was destroyed.