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Crash of a Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman in New Salem

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1977 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N69795
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
New Salem - New Salem
MSN:
667
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
859
Captain / Total hours on type:
125.00
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane was engaged in a local flight, carrying one pilot and nine skydivers. After takeoff from New Salem Airstrip, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It struck trees then stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area. All 10 occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Engine malfunction during initial climb and collision with trees due to fuel system corroded. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Powerplant, fuel system, carburetor, corroded and obstructed,
- Fuel starvation,
- High obstructions,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Corrosion deposit found blocking accelerator pump outlet orifice of Bendix Stromberg NA-Y9E1 carburetor.
Final Report:

Crash of a Noorduyn UC-64 Norseman in Lakewood

Date & Time: Aug 2, 1970 at 1144 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1207
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lakewood - Lakewood
MSN:
841
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1520
Captain / Total hours on type:
30.00
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane was engaged in a local skydiving exercice. While taking off from Lakewood, the engine stopped. The airplane lost height, struck trees and crashed. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured while seven other occupants were slightly injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure during initial climb. The following factors were considered as contributory:
- Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel starvation,
- High obstructions,
- Fuel selector positioned between tanks,
- The left fuel tank was empty while approx 12 galons of fuel remained in the right fuel tank.
Final Report: