Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner in Birmingham: 13 killed

Date & Time: Jul 10, 1991 at 1812 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N7217L
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Mobile - Birmingham
MSN:
U-226
YOM:
1984
Flight number:
LEX502
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
13
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
13
Captain / Total flying hours:
4141
Captain / Total hours on type:
553.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1545
Copilot / Total hours on type:
170
Aircraft flight hours:
9127
Circumstances:
The airplane crashed into houses while on an ILS approach to runway 05 at the Birmingham Airport. The weather briefing data that the captain received in Mobile was accurate, advising him to expect thunderstorms in the Birmingham area. Birmingham atis information whiskey and xray, mentioning thunderstorms, was also accurate, and the flight crew heard them, as well as information from the approach controller that the airport was experiencing thunderstorm activity. The captain and a passenger survived while 13 other occupants were killed. There were no injuries on the ground.
Probable cause:
The decision of the captain to initiate and continue an instrument approach into clearly identified thunderstorm activity, resulting in a loss of control of the airplane from which the flight crew was unable to recover and subsequent collision with obstacles and the terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner in Moosonee: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 30, 1990 at 2138 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-GFAW
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Timmins - Moosonee
MSN:
U-197
YOM:
1982
Flight number:
4F1602
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2423
Captain / Total hours on type:
298.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1038
Copilot / Total hours on type:
102
Aircraft flight hours:
14766
Circumstances:
At 2043 eastern daylight time (EDT), Frontier Air Flight 1602, C-GFAW, a Beechcraft C99 Airliner, took off from Timmins, Ontario, on a scheduled domestic flight to Moosonee, Ontario. The aircraft carried a two-pilot crew, two passengers, and approximately 60 pounds of freight and baggage. The flight proceeded, via airways, to Moosonee at 7,000 feet above sea level. At 2121 EDT, the flight was cleared for an approach at Moosonee with a temporary altitude restriction of 5,000 feet. The crew elected to fly the very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) runway 24 approach. At 2129 EDT, the crew reported on the 061° radial of the VOR at five nautical miles (nm) outbound. Shortly after intercepting the 061° radial inbound, the crew initiated a descent to the 440-foot minimum descent altitude (MDA). While in the descent, the aircraft broke through the lowest cloud layer at 900 feet asl, approximately 9.2 nm from the VOR. At this point, both pilots had the runway lights in sight, and the captain decided to change to a visual approach and proceed inbound at 700 feet asl. Shortly after advising the co-pilot of his intentions, the captain initiated the before-landing cockpit check and selected the landing gear lever to the DOWN position. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft struck trees and crashed seven miles east-northeast of the Moosonee Airport. One of the pilot was killed while three other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the captain inadvertently flew the aircraft into trees, during a condition of visual illusion, as a result of inadequate crew coordination in that neither pilot effectively monitored the altimeter. Contributing to the occurrence were the absence of approach lighting, the lack of company crew pairing policy, the captain’s unfamiliarity with black-hole illusion and the seating position of the captain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 99 Airliner in Oskarshamn: 16 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1989 at 0938 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
SE-IZO
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Stockholm - Oskarshamn
MSN:
U-48
YOM:
1968
Flight number:
HE314
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
14
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Captain / Total flying hours:
1600
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3900
Copilot / Total hours on type:
28
Aircraft flight hours:
23095
Circumstances:
On final approach to Oskarshamn Airport following an uneventful flight from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, the crew selected flaps down when the aircraft pitched up. The tail stalled then the aircraft rolled to the left, entered a dive and crashed 150 meters short of runway 19 and 75 meters to the left of its extended centerline. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was probably caused by the fact that the pilot could not compensate for the rapid pitch-up that occurred when the wing flaps were selected out while the engines were running at high power.
The following contributing factors were reported:
- The aircraft was extremely tail-heavy,
- The crew's training and overall experience on the aircraft type was limited.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner in Laramie

Date & Time: May 16, 1986 at 1042 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6728J
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Denver – Laramie
MSN:
U-217
YOM:
1983
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2530
Captain / Total hours on type:
1809.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5008
Circumstances:
This part 135 IFR flight was inbound for landing at Laramie, Wyoming. During the en route and approach for landing portions of the flight the aircraft picked up a moderate to heavy load of ice. During the landing flare the aircraft stalled, hit the runway, bounced, veered off the runway, and struck a VASI lighting system. The left landing gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded to a stop. All nine occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) weather condition - icing conditions
2. (f) weather condition - snow
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
3. (c) airspeed - uncontrolled - pilot in command
4. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
5. Object - approach light/navaid
----------
Occurrence #4: main gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
6. Landing gear, main gear - overload
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B99 Airliner near Staunton: 14 killed

Date & Time: Sep 23, 1985 at 1020 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N339HA
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Baltimore - Staunton
MSN:
U-156
YOM:
1974
Flight number:
AL1517
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
12
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
14
Captain / Total flying hours:
3447
Captain / Total hours on type:
301.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3329
Copilot / Total hours on type:
119
Aircraft flight hours:
23455
Aircraft flight cycles:
41215
Circumstances:
Henson Airlines flight 1517 was cleared for an instrument approach to the Shenandoah Valley Airport, Weyers Cave, Virginia, at 0959 on September 23, 1985, after a routine flight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Baltimore, Maryland. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at Shenandoah Valley Airport. there were 12 passengers and 2 crew members aboard the scheduled domestic passenger flight operating under 14 CFR 135. Radar service was terminated at 1003. The crew of flight 1517 subsequently contacted the Henson station agent and Shenandoah unicom. The last recorded radar return was at 1011, at which time the airplane was east of the localizer course at 2,700 feet mean sea level and on a magnetic track of about 075°. At 1014 the pilot said, '..we're showing a little west of course...' and at 1015 he asked if he was east of course. At 1017, the controller suggested a missed approach if the airplane was not established on the localizer course. There was no response from the crew of flight 1517 whose last recorded transmission was at 1016. The wreckage of flight 1517 was located about 1842 approximately six miles east of the airport. Both crew members and all 12 passengers were fatally injured.
Probable cause:
The probable cause of this accident was a navigational error by the flightcrew resulting from their use of the incorrect navigational facility and their failure to adequately monitor the flight instruments.
Factors which contributed to the flightcrew's errors were:
- The non standardized navigational radio systems installed in the airline's Beech 99 fleet,
- Intra cockpit communications difficulties associated with high ambient noise levels in the airplane,
- Inadequate training of the pilots by the airline,
- The first officer's limited multi engine and instrument flying experience,
- The pilots' limited experience in their positions in the Beechcraft 99,
- Stress inducing events in the lives of the pilots.
Also contributing to the accident was the inadequate surveillance of the airline by the Federal Aviation Administration which failed to detect the deficiencies which led to the accident.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner in Conover: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1985 at 0145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N992SB
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Hickory - Charlotte
MSN:
U-170
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
5309
Captain / Total hours on type:
950.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7651
Circumstances:
Aircraft was on training flight for initial copilot qualification for commuter air carrier. Instructor and two trainees were on board. The aircraft departed Charlotte at about 2314 edt for the Hickory area for training. At about 0015 edt, it was reported that the crew visited the Hickory FSS. After departing Hickory, the aircraft climbed to 5,500 feet and remained generally between Charlotte. At about 0145 edt, radar data showed the aircraft to be in a steep descent and gaining speed. The aircraft collided with tree limbs, a utility pole and the ground in about 35° angle of descent in a residential area of Conover, NC. Investigation revealed a nose up trim, which was approximately 75% of the available up-trim (3.38° upnose). This is an abnormal setting; so the entire trim unit was retained and sent to the Talley Corp for detailed exam. The ram end fittings were sent to ga tech research for surface fracture analysis. The exam showed ductile overstress and no indication of pre-cracked condition. Pitch trim emergencies are a part of sunbirds c-99 training program (fit 1 & 2). All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. (c) emergency procedure - selected - pilot in command (cfi)
2. (c) remedial action - not performed - dual student
3. (c) lack of familiarity with aircraft - dual student
4. (c) remedial action - delayed - pilot in command (cfi)
5. (c) fatigue (flight and ground schedule) - pilot in command (cfi)
6. (c) supervision - not maintained - pilot in command (cfi)
7. (f) complacency - pilot in command (cfi)
8. (c) fatigue (flight and ground schedule) - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 99 Airliner in Auburn: 8 killed

Date & Time: Aug 25, 1985 at 2205 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N300WP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Boston - Auburn
MSN:
U-22
YOM:
1968
Flight number:
QO1808
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
5153
Captain / Total hours on type:
4467.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1453
Copilot / Total hours on type:
153
Aircraft flight hours:
30335
Circumstances:
Flight 1808 took off from Boston runway 04L at 21:30 for a flight to Auburn. Clearance was received of 7000 feet and to contact Portland Approach Control. Portland Approach cleared Flight 1808 at 21:58 for a runway 04 ILS approach. Three minutes later the controller noticed that Flight 1808 was east of course and asked if the it was receiving the Lewiston localizer. The captain replied that they hadn't and were given instructions to turn left heading 340. A left turn to 354° started and the aircraft passed Lewie Outer Marker (LOM) at 165 knots, 2,600 feet (30 knots too fast and 600 feet too high). At 22:02 the aircraft exited the left side of the localizer, still at a 354° heading. The crew then tried to capture the glide slope and enter the localizer again until it entered the left side of the localizer (22:04:08) and descended through the bottom boundary of the glide slope. At ca 22:04:16 the aircraft struck trees 4,007 feet short of the runway and 440 feet right of the extended centreline, continued 737 feet and struck level ground in nearly an inverted attitude. One of the passengers killed in the crash was American schoolgirl, peace activist and child actress Samantha Smith. She was returning to Auburn with her father after taking part to a TV movie in Boston.
Probable cause:
The captain's continuation of an unstabilized approach which resulted in a descent below glide slope. Contributing to the unstabilized approach was the radar controller's issuance and the captain's acceptance of a non-standard air traffic control radar vector resulting in an excessive intercept with the localizer.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner near San Luis Obispo: 15 killed

Date & Time: Aug 24, 1984 at 1118 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6399U
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Los Angeles – Santa Maria – San Luis Obispo – San Francisco
MSN:
U-187
YOM:
1982
Flight number:
RM628
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
13
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
15
Captain / Total flying hours:
4110
Captain / Total hours on type:
873.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
6194
Copilot / Total hours on type:
62
Circumstances:
Wings West Airlines Flight 628, a commuter flight, departed Los Angeles for San Francisco, with scheduled en route stops at Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. At 11:10, Flight 628 left the gate at San Luis Obispo. The weather at the time was essentially clear and the visibility was 15 miles. At 11:16, after taking off from runway 29, Flight 628 called the Los Angeles ARTCC and reported that it was climbing through 2,700 feet 'IFR to San Francisco.' At 11:17:23, the Los Angeles ARTCC’s radar controller cleared Flight 628 to the San Francisco airport, as filed, to climb and maintain 7,000 feet. At 11:17:38 the aircraft collided head-on with Rockwell Commander N112SM at 3,400 feet. This single-engined aircraft had departed Paso Robles Airport on a training flight with two pilots on board. Nll2SM was flying in visual meteorological conditions and under VFR in the vicinity of the San Luis Obispo Airport just before the collision.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilots of both aircraft to follow the recommended communications and traffic advisory practices for uncontrolled airports contained in the Airman’s Information Manual to alert each other to their presence and to enhance the controller’s ability to provide timely traffic advisories. Underlying the accident were the physiological limitations of human vision and reaction time. Also underlying the accident was the short time available to the controller to detect and appraise radar data and to issue a safety advisory. Contributing to the accident was the Wings West Airlines policy which required its pilots to tune one radio to the company frequency at all times.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 99 Airliner in Tours

Date & Time: Sep 4, 1983
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
F-BUYG
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
U-63
YOM:
1969
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances upon landing at Tours-Saint Symphorien Airport. There were no casualties while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Beechcraft 99 Airliner in Groton

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1982 at 0045 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N451C
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
New Haven - Groton
MSN:
U-66
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7108
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Aircraft flight hours:
19188
Circumstances:
After crossing the mondi intersection inbound for an ILS runway 05 approach, the captain felt that a proper descent was not possible due to a strong tailwind and their present altitude. They turned and proceeded outbound to lose altitude. The crew then established themselves again on the inbound course at an airspeed of approximately 120 knots. The copilot reported that around 300 feet "the bottom dropped out." the aircraft crashed onto the surface of a frozen cove and slid onto marshy terrain and stopped about 500 feet short of the runway. An NTSB weather summary shows that the following wind regimes existed when the aircraft made its approach: 5,000 to 24,000 ft asl, wind 220/50; 2,400 to 450 feet asl, wind 180/30; 450 feet asl to surface, wind 100/5. Using the above wind regimes and assuming an approach airspeed of 123 knots, the following ground speeds were computed: 5,000 to 2,400 ft asl, 155 knots; 2,400 to 450 feet asl, 147 knots; 450 feet asl to surface, 118 knots.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. Light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - turbulence in clouds
5. (f) weather condition - downdraft
6. (c) weather condition - windshear
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
----------
Occurrence #3: undershoot
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
7. Terrain condition - icy
Final Report: