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Crash of a Piper PA-46-500TP Meridian in Omaha: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 10, 2015 at 1153 LT
Registration:
N145JR
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Omaha - Trinidad
MSN:
46-97166
YOM:
2003
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4840
Captain / Total hours on type:
280.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1047
Circumstances:
The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot told the air traffic controller that he needed to return to the airport due to an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) "miscommunication." Air traffic control radar data indicated that, at that time, the airplane was about 1.75 miles north of the airport on a southeasterly course about 2,000 ft. mean sea level. About 20 seconds after the pilot requested to return to the airport, the airplane began to descend. The airplane subsequently entered a right turn, which appeared to continue until the final radar data point. The airplane struck power lines about 3/4 of a mile from the airport while maneuvering within the traffic pattern. The power lines were about 75 ft. above ground level. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the pilot reported a flight instrumentation issue to air traffic control, the investigation was unable to confirm whether such an anomaly occurred based on component testing and available information. Examination of the standby airspeed indicator revealed that the link arm had separated from the pin on the rocking shaft assembly; however, it likely separated during the accident sequence. No other anomalies were observed. Functional testing indicated that the standby airspeed indicator was likely functional and providing accurate airspeed information to the pilot throughout the flight. Finally, examination of the left and right annunciator panel bulb filaments associated with the left fuel pump advisory revealed that they were stretched, indicating that the left fuel pump advisory indication annunciated at the time of the accident; however, this likely occurred during the accident sequence as a result of an automatic attempt to activate the left fuel pump due to the loss of fuel pressure immediately after the left wing separated. Toxicology testing of the pilot detected low levels of three different sedating antihistamines; however, antemortem levels could not be determined nor could the underlying reason(s) for the pilot's use of these medications. As a result, it could not be determined whether pilot impairment occurred due to the use of the medications or the underlying condition(s) themselves. Although the pilot reported a flight instrumentation issue, this problem would not have affected his ability to control the airplane. Further, the pilot should have been able to see the power lines given the day/visual weather conditions. It is possible that the pilot become distracted by the noncritical anomaly, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while returning to the airport after becoming distracted by a noncritical flight instrumentation anomaly indication.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair CV-580 in Trinidad

Date & Time: Feb 22, 2005 at 2026 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
FAB-73
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Trinidad – Cochabamba
MSN:
170
YOM:
1954
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
45
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff, while initial climb, the crew encountered engine problems and elected to make an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a muddy field and came to rest, broken in two. 28 people were injured while 21 others escaped uninjured.

Crash of a Lockheed C-130B Hercules in Chimore: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jan 14, 2000 at 1216 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
TAM-60
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chimore - Trinidad
MSN:
3559
YOM:
1960
Country:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
24
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll on runway 35 at Chimore Airport, about 600 meters from the end, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway to the left, impacted a drainage ditch (3 metres deep) and crashed in a wooded area. Five occupants were killed while 26 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Swearingen SA227AC Metro III in Trinidad

Date & Time: Dec 31, 1997
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CP-2321
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Trinidad - La Paz
MSN:
AC-643
YOM:
1986
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
18
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll, the crew lost control of the airplane that veered off runway, lost its undercarriage and came to rest. All 20 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was written off.

Crash of a Swearingen SA227AC Metro III in Trinidad

Date & Time: Nov 12, 1992
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N3044J
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Trinidad - Cochabamba
MSN:
AC-466
YOM:
1981
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft deviated to the right and eventually veered off runway. While contacting soft ground, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest. All 16 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-80-DL in La Senda

Date & Time: Jan 6, 1977
Registration:
CP-728
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Santa Cruz - Trinidad
MSN:
19689
YOM:
1944
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
En route from Santa Cruz to Trinidad, the left engine's temperature rised and the propeller was overspeeding. The left propeller was feathered and the crew was cleared to return to Santa Cruz for an emergency landing. Few minutes later, the right engine's temperature also rised. The captain realize he could not make it so he reduced his altitude and completed a belly landing in a pasture located in La Senda. All four occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46-A-5-CU Commando in Beni: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 10, 1975
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CP-992
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Trinidad - Beni
MSN:
26433
YOM:
1943
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
On approach to Beni Airport, the airplane struck a hill located few km short of runway. All three occupants were killed.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando near San Ignacio de Moxos: 7 killed

Date & Time: Feb 23, 1974
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CP-1052
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Trinidad - Oruro
MSN:
30195
YOM:
1944
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
En route from Trinidad to Oruro, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with turbulences when control was lost. The airplane crashed on the slope of a mountain located in the region of San Ignacio de Moxos. The wreckage was found two days later and all seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the ropes securing the cargo failed while the aircraft was subject to atmospheric turbulences, causing the CofG to be modified and the cargo to shift. In such conditions, the airplane became uncontrollable.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-40-CU Commando in Trinidad: 2 killed

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1972 at 1757 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CP-959
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
26903
YOM:
1944
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
After a run of 1,200 meters on runway 31, the pilot-in-command completed the rotation. During initial climb, while at a height of 20 meters, the airplane banked left then stalled and struck the runway surface. Out of control, it veered off runway lost its undercarriage then went through a fence and collided with trees. All six passengers were injured while both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during initial climb caused by the failure of the left engine.

Crash of a Douglas VC-47D in Trinidad

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1968
Operator:
Registration:
CP-734
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Trinidad – La Paz
MSN:
17045/34311
YOM:
1945
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Trinidad Airport, the crew encountered engine problems and was forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a wooded area, lost its landing gear, slid for several and came to rest with its right wing partially torn off. Several occupants were injured and the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Engine problems after takeoff.