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Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690A in Yakima: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1997 at 2230 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N72VF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Seattle - Yakima
MSN:
690-11242
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4800
Captain / Total hours on type:
80.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7001
Circumstances:
The flight was operating into the Yakima airport at night during the period the airport operates as non-towered. Some witnesses reported the aircraft initially appeared lower than normal and that it descended and impacted the ground at a steep angle, and some witnesses reported an abrupt entry into the descent. The aircraft crashed 2.2 nautical miles east of the runway threshold, slightly right of the localizer course The pilot was 'cleared for approach' by air traffic control (ATC) and he subsequently initiated an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 27. The last radar position showed the aircraft approximately on the localizer, at glide slope intercept altitude, 9 nautical miles east of the airport. Three minutes after the last radar position, the pilot reported to ATC he had broken out and had the airport in sight, and canceled instrument flight rules (IFR). ATC then terminated service and approved a frequency change.. Ceiling was 1,500 feet overcast with 6 miles visibility in mist, with no significant icing forecast. No evidence of mechanical problems was found; however, much of the aircraft was consumed by an intense post-crash fire.
Probable cause:
A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a BAe 3101 Jetstream 31 in Pasco: 6 killed

Date & Time: Dec 26, 1989 at 2230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N410UE
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Spokane – Yakima – Pasco
MSN:
776
YOM:
1987
Flight number:
UA2415
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
6600
Captain / Total hours on type:
670.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
2792
Copilot / Total hours on type:
213
Aircraft flight hours:
4972
Aircraft flight cycles:
7168
Circumstances:
During arrival for an ILS runway 21R approach, the aircraft encountered icing conditions for about 9-1/2 minutes. As the aircraft was vectored for the approach, the Seattle ARTCC controller used an expanded radar range and did not provide precise positioning of the aircraft to the final approach course. The flight crew attempted to continue on a steep, unstabilized approach for a landing. Recorded radar data showed that the aircraft was well to the right of the ILS course line and well above the glide slope as it passed the outer marker/final approach fix (faf). It did not intercept the localizer course until it was about 1.5 mile inside the faf. Also, it was still well above the ILS glide slope were recorded altitude data was lost when the aircraft was abt 2.5 miles from the airport. The tower had closed, but the controller saw the aircraft in a higher than normal rate of descent in a wings level attitude. Before reaching the runway, the aircraft nosed over and crashed in a steep descent. There was evidence that ice had accumulated on the airframe, including the horizontal stabilizers, which may have resulted in a tail plane stall. All six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The flightcrew's decision to continue an unstabilized instrument landing system (ILS) approach that led to a stall, most likely of the horizontal stabilizer, and loss of control at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's improper vectors that positioned the airplane inside the outer marker while it was still well above the glideslope. Contributing to the stall and loss of control was the accumulation of airframe ice that degraded the aerodynamic performance of the airplane.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340A in Ketchikan: 4 killed

Date & Time: Sep 5, 1981 at 1405 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2695A
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Heppner – Yakima – Ketchikan
MSN:
340A-0770
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
2614
Captain / Total hours on type:
8.00
Circumstances:
While on an ILS/DME approach to Ketchikan Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with low ceiling, rain falls, turbulences and thunderstorm activity. In limited visibility, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck a mountain and crashed, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot attempted operation beyond experience/ability level,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Low ceiling,
- Rain,
- Turbulences associated with thunderstorms.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401B near Yakima: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 21, 1970 at 0230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N7917Q
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Omak – Troutdale
MSN:
401B-0017
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7029
Captain / Total hours on type:
513.00
Circumstances:
While cruising by night under IFR mode with the autopilot system ON, the twin engine aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located near Yakima. The wreckage was found a day later. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot has been killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was 10 miles of the intended course for undetermined reason.
Final Report: