Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Silvana: 11 killed

Date & Time: Aug 21, 1983 at 1832 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N116CA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Silvana - Silvana
MSN:
2472
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
24
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
11
Captain / Total flying hours:
9000
Captain / Total hours on type:
110.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on a sport parachute flight to carry 24 parachutists to 12,500' over a drop zone (dz) for a mass jump. It was in a cargo configuration with no passenger seats, but it had one jump seat. There were 24 seat belts on the floor of the cargo area. Also, the cabin door had been removed and an unapproved step and 4 handholds were installed outside and forward of the cabin door for parachutists. The usual jump-run procedure was for the aircraft to be slowed to 95 to 100 knots, extend the gear and approach flaps and reduce power on the left engine. The jumpers remained in position without using seat belts until approaching the dz, then two moved outside the aircraft while others moved close to the doorway. The first jumpers were unaware of any problem, but saw the aircraft enter a steep bank, roll over and spiral nose down. 16 jumpers exited the aircraft, but three hit the stabilizer. The aircraft crashed in a near vertical descent. Investigation revealed the cg was behind the aft limit for takeoff and the jump. The elevator trim actuator was found in a position for full nose-up trim.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: other
Findings
1. Maintenance,modification - performed
2. (c) supervision - improper - company/operator management
3. (c) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded - pilot in command
4. Airspeed - reduced - pilot in command
5. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair C-131E Samaritan in Dillingham

Date & Time: Jun 4, 1981 at 1617 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N121CA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Dillingham - Anchorage
MSN:
342
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9500
Captain / Total hours on type:
630.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Dillingham Airport, while on a company ferry flight to Anchorage, the right engine surged at meto power and the crew was forced to shut it down. The decision to return was taken and the crew followed a circuit pattern then started the descent. On final approach, the airplane descended into trees and crashed in a wooded area located few hundred yards short of runway 01. The aircraft was destroyed while all three occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Engine malfunction during initial climb after exhaust stacks failed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Leak,
- Power indicators failure,
- Governors malfunction,
- Overheated, erratic,
- The pilot-in-command failed to follow approved procedures,
- Right engine fire warning light during takeoff,
- Engine surged at meto power,
- Exhaust stack broken,
- Bmep conduit overheated.
Final Report: