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Ground fire of a Boeing 767-281SF in San Francisco

Date & Time: Jun 28, 2008 at 2218 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N799AX
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Francisco – Wilmington
MSN:
23432/145
YOM:
1986
Flight number:
ABX1611
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On June 28, 2008, about 2215 Pacific daylight time, an ABX Air Boeing 767-200, N799AX, operating as flight 1611 from San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, California, experienced a ground fire before engine startup. The captain and the first officer evacuated the airplane through the cockpit windows and were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The cargo flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. At the time of the fire, the airplane was parked near a loading facility, all of the cargo to be transported on the flight had been loaded, and the doors had been shut.
Probable cause:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the design of the supplemental oxygen system hoses and the lack of positive separation between electrical wiring and electrically conductive oxygen system components. The lack of positive separation allowed a short circuit to breach a combustible oxygen hose, release oxygen, and initiate a fire in the supernumerary compartment that rapidly spread to other areas. Contributing to this accident was the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) failure to require the installation of nonconductive oxygen hoses after the safety issue concerning conductive hoses was initially identified by Boeing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S in Exeter: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 17, 2002 at 1752 LT
Registration:
N999N
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Wilmington - Newport
MSN:
500-3277
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
900
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2145
Circumstances:
The airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot was cleared for an approach. As the airplane neared the final approach fix, the controller observed the airplane diverge from the approach course and change altitude rapidly. Shortly thereafter, the pilot said he had "all sorts of problems." The pilot requested and received vectors to an alternate airport. At 1748:29, the pilot was cleared for an ILS approach and was told to report when "established" on the approach. When asked if he was established on the ILS course, the pilot replied "I sure hope so." The controller observed the airplane descend below the published glide slope intercept altitude and advised the pilot to climb back to 2,000 feet. The pilot reported "I have problems." When asked the nature of the problem, the pilot reported "...I'm all over the place...I think I'm iced up..." Radar data indicated the airplane's radar track began following a left descending turn from 1,900 feet, about 1 minute before radar contact was lost. At 1751:33, the controller advised the pilot that his altitude was 1,000 feet, and requested that he climb to 3,000 feet. The pilot responded, "hey, I'm trying like hell." Radar contact with the airplane was lost about 1752, at 800 feet. A witness near the accident site stated he observed the airplane come out of the clouds, "wobbling" from side to side, make a "hard" left turn and strike the ground. He stated the engine was "loud" and seemed to be at "full throttle." Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre impact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot purchased the accident airplane about 2 months prior to the accident. His total flight time in make and model was estimated to be about 200 hours. Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) Zulu, Update 4, for Ice and Freezing Level was valid for the accident site area at the time of the accident. The AIRMET advised of occasional moderate rime/mixed icing in cloud in precipitation below 12,000 feet. The AIRMET reported the freezing level was from the surface to 4,000 feet. According to United States Naval Observatory astronomical data obtained for the accident site area, Sunset occurred at 1723, and the end of civil twilight was at 1751. The airplane was equipped with both wing leading edge and empennage de-icing boots. The switches for the de-icing boots were observed in the "Auto" position. The propeller de-ice and windshield anti-ice switches were observed in the "off" position.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain control after encountering icing conditions while on approach for landing. Factors in this accident were the night light conditions and pilot's failure to select the airplane's propeller de-icing switches to the "on" position.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Washington Court House: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 10, 2000 at 0145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N2067C
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Washington Court House – Wilmington
MSN:
BA-424
YOM:
1959
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
22500
Captain / Total hours on type:
17000.00
Circumstances:
The airplane was observed to depart normally for a positioning flight conducted during night visual meteorological conditions. In addition, the landing gear was observed to retract after takeoff. A witness who lived near the accident site heard a "loud" engine noise and observed the airplane just above the trees. The airplane then pitched down, impacted the ground, and exploded. The airplane impacted in a soybean field about a 1/2 mile from the departure end of the runway. Two pairs of ground scars were observed at the beginning of the debris path. The initial pair of ground scars were about 2 to 3 feet in length and were located about 380 feet south of the main wreckage. A pair of 10 to 12 foot long ground scars were located about 10 feet forward of the initial ground scars and they contained portions of the left and right engines; respectively. There was no impact damage observed to the portion of the soy bean field located in-between the second ground scar and the main wreckage. Prior to the flight, maintenance personnel replaced a frayed elevator trim cable. The work was supervised and checked by the accident pilot. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact failure; however, a significant portion of the airplane was consumed in a post crash fire. Examination of the propellers revealed damage consistent with engine operation at the time of impact. The pilot reported 22,500 hours of total flight experience, with over 17,00 flight hours in make and model.
Probable cause:
An undetermined event, which resulted in an off airport landing. A factor in this accident was the night light condition.
Final Report:

Crash of a NAMC YS-11A-205 in Wilmington

Date & Time: Mar 6, 1992
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N918AX
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Wilmington - Wilmington
MSN:
2112
YOM:
1969
Location:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew departed Wilmington-Air park (Clinton County Airport) on a local training flight. On final approach to runway 22, the crew forgot to lower the undercarriage and the aircraft landed on its belly. It slid for few dozen yards and came to rest on the main runway. All three occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the crew was focused on a flapless landing configuration and failed to follow the approach checklist and forgot to lower the landing gear.

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Martinsville

Date & Time: Aug 20, 1991 at 0640 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N63B
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Wilmington - Richmond
MSN:
BA-119
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3500
Captain / Total hours on type:
1320.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff at 600 feet, the right engine quit. The pilot said, '[the] altitude dropped about 100 feet and airspeed at 120 knots. The right engine came back again . . . It ran for about 10 seconds. [I] adjusted power on left engine . . . Feathered right prop and tried to maintain altitude, but airspeed kept diminishing, so I had to descend to maintain airspeed.' The pilot put the landing gear down to absorb the shock of landing in a field. An examination revealed no malfunctions in the engine or carburetor. The airplane was within allowable gross weight and center of gravity limits. The weather was: ceiling 600 feet broken, 1,500 feet overcast, visibility 3 miles, light rain and fog. The pilot escaped with minor injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
A failure of one engine for undetermined reasons. Additionally, the heavy gross weight resulted in inadequate single engine performance, which lead to a forced landing.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 414A Chancellor in Atlantic City: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 23, 1990 at 2135 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2693F
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Wilmington - Atlantic City
MSN:
414A-0423
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
5000
Circumstances:
The pilot was approaching Atlantic City Airport by night and poor weather conditions when the twin engine aircraft struck the ground and crashed few miles short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot to follow the published ILS procedure and his continued descent below the decision height. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 404 Titan II in Boca Raton

Date & Time: Jan 17, 1990 at 0009 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N335GP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Wilmington - Fort Lauderdale
MSN:
404-0009
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1487
Captain / Total hours on type:
35.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3286
Circumstances:
While level after descending, the right engine quit. Pilot feathered the propeller, advised ATC, and was diverting to alternate when left engine quit. He positioned the left engine boost pump to high and low with negative results, but did not feather the propeller. Position of boost pumps, when engines quit, was not determined. Aircraft landed on overpass that was under construction. There was fuel leakage after accident due to aircraft damage. Fuel quantity was sufficient. Examination of aircraft revealed right engine flexible duct from turbocharger to plenum chamber separated due to loose clamp. Hose was installed and club prop installed for each engine run. Both engines operated normally. Induction air hose was pulled during right engine run. Engine ran rough due to excessive rich mixture. No determination could be made for the reason of the left engine power loss.
Probable cause:
Loss of power in the right engine due to a disconnected duct between the turbocharger and the plenum chamber. The reason for the loss of power in the left engine was not determined.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 25B in Wilmington

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1983 at 0724 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N108PA
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Wilmington - Danville
MSN:
25-195
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4304
Captain / Total hours on type:
1420.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4758
Circumstances:
After lift-off a flock of birds approached from left to right at about 400 feet. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft behind and above the birds in an attempt to avoid them. Both engines flamed out and the aircraft made a forced landing on a road. Ground witnesses described the climbout as '...very steep...' and '...a steep angle, between 40° 45°.' There was some bird residue on the engines. Both pilots escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - non mechanical
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) maneuver - performed - pilot in command
2. (c) aircraft performance, climb capability - exceeded
3. (c) aircraft handling - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
Findings
4. (f) aircraft performance, two or more engines - inoperative
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
Findings
5. Object - bird(s)
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
----------
Occurrence #5: main gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
6. Landing gear, main gear - overload
Final Report:

Crash of a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle VI-R in Atlanta

Date & Time: Jun 19, 1980 at 0456 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N905MW
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Jose - Wilmington - Atlanta
MSN:
95
YOM:
1961
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9941
Captain / Total hours on type:
1239.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a night cargo flight from San Jose, California, to Atlanta with intermediate stop in Wilmington, Ohio. On approach, the airplane became unstable and rolled left and right. Despite the situation, the crew decided to continue the approach to runway 26 when the airplane landed hard. Upon touchdown, the left main gear collapsed. The airplane rolled for about 4,526 feet then veered off runway to the left and came to rest 250 feet further in a grassy area. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing and subsequent failure of the left main gear after the crew failed to follow approved procedures. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Poorly planned approach,
- Vortex turbulences,
- Fast from LOM to airport,
- Closed gap behind a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar that just landed on same runway.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65-A90 King Air off Charleston

Date & Time: Nov 26, 1977 at 1705 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N55MG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cockburn Harbour - Wilmington
MSN:
LJ-303
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6630
Captain / Total hours on type:
175.00
Circumstances:
En route from South Caicos to Wilmington, the pilot encountered technical problems with both engines that failed in flight. He reduced his altitude and ditched the airplane into the sea off Charleston, South Carolina. Both occupants were quickly rescued while the aircraft was lost.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Improper in-flight decisions or planning,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Miscalculated fuel consumption,
- Failure of both engines,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- Forced landing off airport on water.
Final Report: