Crash of a Douglas A-26B-45-DL Invader near Hubbards Fork: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 5, 1983 at 1758 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4060A
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Asheville - Asheville
MSN:
27381
YOM:
1944
Flight number:
Tanker 01
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4199
Captain / Total hours on type:
733.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1558
Circumstances:
The pilot and aircraft had been fighting forest fires earlier in the day. A late developing fire necessitated another dispatch. The aircraft arrived on scene and checked in with the lead aircraft circling overhead coordinating the fire fighting efforts. The tanker made two runs over the fire area following the lead aircraft. After the second run, the aircraft banked left in a level turn to make another run without using the lead aircraft. During the third run the tanker struck trees near the top of a 1,800 feet ridgeline. Witnesses on the ground remarked how low the aircraft was. According to the pilot's peers, he took pride in doing his job well and always strove to put the chemical right on target. There had been occasions in the past where this zeal to succeed had resulted in his going lower than the 150 feet agl minimum altitude mandated by forestry service regs. He had, on occasions, returned to base with tree foliage stuck in his aircraft. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
3. (c) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas A-26C Invader in Grand Junction: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 8, 1976 at 1618 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3427G
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Grand Junction - Grand Junction
MSN:
28704
YOM:
1944
Flight number:
Tanker 59
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4100
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Circumstances:
While completing a fire fighting mission, the pilot made a steep turn when the airplane stalled and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall during a low pass following improper in-flight decisions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Flew into blind canyon,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- High obstructions,
- High density altitude at 9,700 feet,
- Wind gusting to 25 knots,
- Stall during steep bank.
Final Report: