Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader near Saga: 4 killed

Date & Time: May 15, 1987 at 0952 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
JA5277
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
303-00279
YOM:
1984
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
4419
Captain / Total hours on type:
1072.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3186
Copilot / Total hours on type:
843
Circumstances:
Three student pilots and one instructor were on board this Crusader to complete a training mission. While in cruising altitude under VFR mode over the north part of the Ariake Sea, the pilot-in-command lost control of the aircraft that entered a dive and crashed 3,6 km south of the Suminoe harbor. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the loss of control occurred during a VFR training flight while the crew was performing emergency procedures. The crew was unable to recover the aircraft.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader in Bogotá: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 19, 1986
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
HK-2853
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Bogotá - Bogotá
MSN:
303-00092
YOM:
1982
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Bogotá-El Dorado on a short flight to Bogotá-Guaymaral Airport located 15 km to the north. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in the district of Engativá located less than one km northeast of the airport. Both occupants were killed while there was no casualties on the ground.

Crash of a Cessna 303 Crusader in Clarion: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 12, 1986 at 2100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4877V
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cleveland - Clarion
MSN:
303-00282
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
3504
Aircraft flight hours:
80
Circumstances:
N4877V arrived over Clarion County Airport at about 2100 hours, and commenced a visual approach for landing. Marginal visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was observed by another pilot waiting on the ground for the aircraft. This pilot reported that the aircraft was seen through a break in the clouds as it turned left, southwest, as if to establish a left downwind for runway 05. The aircraft was located in a wooded area southwest of the airport. An examination of the wreckage failed to indicate any malfunction or system failure. The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and the wreckage was confined to an area indicative with a stall type accident. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - clouds
2. (f) weather condition - snow
3. (f) light condition - dark night
4. (f) weather evaluation - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) vfr flight into imc - performed - pilot in command
6. (c) vfr procedures - not followed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
7. (c) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
8. Stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
9. Object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader in Simi Valley

Date & Time: Aug 30, 1985 at 1736 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N6490V
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Santa Monica - Santa Monica
MSN:
303-00312
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3365
Captain / Total hours on type:
127.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2
Circumstances:
The aircraft collided with trees during a forced landing following a loss of power. The student pilot stated the flight was normal until a 'violent right yaw' developed when the throttles were advanced to recover from a practice stall. As the cfi took over the controls and attempted recovery a 'substantial loss of power' occurred on both engines. A forced landing was made in a field during which the left wing contacted trees and the aircraft was engulfed in flames. Post accident examination of the left engine failed to disclose any discrepancies. Discrepancies were noted on the right engine.
1) The fuel controller fuel line 'tee' fitting was cracked around 50% of its circumference. (ductile overload).
2) The turbocharger gasket on the inlet side of the turbine showed leakage around 70% of the gasket are. The aircraft had a history of symptoms of fuel vaporization which subsided with use of the aux fuel pump as the engine manufacturer suggests. It is unknown if the aux pump was used during this accident.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) fuel system,line - leak
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - manufacturer
3. (f) exhaust system, turbocharger - leak
4. (f) fuel system, line fitting - cracked
5. Fluid, fuel - starvation
6. (f) weather condition - temperature extremes
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (total) - non mechanical
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
7. (f) fluid, fuel - starvation
8. (f) weather condition - temperature extremes
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
9. (f) object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader in Shelby

Date & Time: Jul 9, 1985 at 1330 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N9718T
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Shelby - Shelby
MSN:
303-00039
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2500
Captain / Total hours on type:
80.00
Circumstances:
The pilot stated that after takeoff from runway 23, he noticed oil coming from the left engine. He initiated a turn to land on runway 05 but was unable to line up with the runway. He elected to go-around and when he added full power the left engine oil pressure went to zero psi. The pilot feathered the left engine and a single engine go-around was attempted. The landing gear and flaps were not retracted and the aircraft crashed 2 miles northeast of the airport and was destroyed by post crash fire. The origin of the oil leak could not be determined due to the extent of the fire damage. The pilot, sole on board, escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. Fluid, oil - leak
2. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
3. Object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
4. Terrain condition - ground
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader near Pueblo Rico: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jul 5, 1985
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HK-2961P
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
303-00161
YOM:
1982
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of Mt La Linea located in the region of Pueblo Rico. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed. They were engaged in an drug smuggling flight.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain.

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader in Mesa

Date & Time: May 13, 1985 at 1943 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4661V
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Scottsdale - Mesa
MSN:
303-00276
YOM:
1983
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2665
Captain / Total hours on type:
32.00
Aircraft flight hours:
59
Circumstances:
Pilot took off from Scottsdale at 1934 mst for a 13 nm flight to reposition the aircraft to home base. Within minutes the pilot advised ATC that he was 6 miles out with minimum fuel and requested no delay. He then asked for clearance to runway 22R and was cleared to land on runway 22R, at 1943 mst the pilot advised the tower that he was not going to make the runway. Both engines had stopped due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot made a forced landing 1/4 mile from the approach end of runway 22R in a level dirt area. The pilot reported the aircraft contained 120 lbs of fuel upon departure from Scottsdale and no low fuel warning was received. The pilot's operating handbook states the low fuel warning light should illuminate when there is less than 60 gallons of fuel in either tank or when there is less than 120 gallons total fuel on board. The manual also stated the aircraft burns 170 gph at 70 percent power. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) preflight planning/preparation - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
3. (c) fuel supply - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
4. (f) terrain condition - open field
5. (f) light condition - dusk
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader near Willard: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jan 3, 1983 at 1818 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6087C
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Portland - Idaho Falls
MSN:
303-00144
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
7657
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
25
Circumstances:
Before takeoff, the pilot received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan to Idaho Falls, ID at 13,000 feet. He took off at 1804 pst. At 1814 pst, just prior to calling level at 13,000 feet, he reported he was encountering light turbulence and light rime ice. Approximately four min later, the pilot reported experiencing heavy vibrations. He requested and received a clearance to return to Portland and descend to 7,000 feet. Shortly after that, the aircraft entered a tight descending turn which the pilot reported he was having difficulty arresting. He reported regaining directional control at 6,000 feet and said the aircraft had a heavy load of ice. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crashed in mountains at the 3,130 feet level. Due to damage from impact and wreckage retrieval, the preimpact condition of all deicing components was not verified. The aircraft was not certified for flight in known icing conditions. Moderate mixed icing condition and moderate turbulence were forecast. The pilot was briefed there had been reports of moderate icing thru-out the area. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - turbulence in clouds
2. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
3. (c) flight into known adverse weather - continued - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
4. (c) wing - ice
5. (c) stabilizer - ice
6. (c) aircraft performance - deteriorated
7. (c) spiral - uncontrolled - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
9. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
Final Report: