Cessna 402

During a scheduled cargo flight, the pilot diverted from the normal route and travelled through mountainous terrain. The radar plot indicated that the airplane was in a gradual climbing left turn when the collision occurred. The weather in the area at the time of the accident reported snow showers in the mountainous area. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

The on-demand air taxi airplane collided with trees and terrain during a third attempt at an ILS approach. The airplane crashed approximately two miles beyond the airport on the extended centerline of the landing runway. In an interview the pilot related that on his first approach to the airport he saw the runway and observed vehicles on the taxiway as he performed his missed approach. When he was asked the reason for the second missed approach he said it was because of instrument fluctuations on his course direction indicator. During this period he asked that the lights be set to high intensity because he could not see them. The lights were verified as being set for high intensity. He did not remember anything of the third approach after he passed the outer marker. Snow removal operations were in progress during the period the accident airplane was making approaches to the airport.

The pilot received numerous weather briefings/updates before takeoff, which included two pilot reports of windshear by aircraft on the approach into Appleton. Shortly after takeoff convective sigmet 1E was transmitted by the radar controller on the same frequency he was working N87163. This sigmet called for embedded thunderstorms. About 10 minutes later, while being vectored for the approach into Appleton, the pilot was given heading deviations because of weather. The aircraft crashed 1/2 mile from the approach end of the runway. A witness whose residence is located between the OM and MM for the ILS approach reported a 'huge downpour' with 'very strong winds' at the time of the accident. Wreckage examination revealed that all power controls for both engines were in the full forward position, and that the left and right main landing gear mounting trunnions were displaced upward into the wing fuel tanks. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Five minutes after takeoff from Manzanillo Airport, while climbing by night, the twin engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the sea few hundred meters offshore. The wreckage sank by a depth of 80 meters and all seven occupants were killed, among them five police officers who were returning to Mexico City. The flight was completed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Republic.

The pilots were making a visual approach at night to RWY 10 from a right downwind. The pilots descended the airplane through a scud layer on final and initially contacted the ground well short of the runway. The pilot pitched up and added full power, but one main gear separated as it hit the side of the hill below the runway. The airplane then rolled inverted and impacted the runway threshold upside down. Still inverted, it slid across the grass onto an adjacent taxiway with a substantial external fire. Both pilots and one passenger were killed. Four passengers survived with various injuries. The passenger who was killed was Joseph T. Nall, NTSB member.

The passenger sitting in the copilot's seat stated that she saw fire coming from the right wing and engine area. She stated that she could see a bright 'glow' beneath the skin of the wing. The pilot made a forced landing on a freeway and the aircraft struck a light pole on the highway median. Heavy fire damage was found in the aft portion of the right engine nacelle and right flap assembly. In addition, heavy fire and soot were evident in the interior of the right wing assembly. The passenger was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.

After takeoff from Urpay Airport, the twin engine aircraft encountered difficulties to gain sufficient altitude and struck a mountain. All 12 occupants were killed.

During arrival, Ryan Air flight 2401 (Cessna 402, N12333) contacted Nome FSS and reported 15 miles west of Nome. The pilot was advised the weather at Nome was below basic VFR. The pilot requested a special VFR clearance. He was advised to remain in VFR conditions outside the control zone and to standby for a clearance. Later, when FSS personnel tried to contact flight 2401 to issue the clearance, there was no reply from the pilot. Subsequently, a search was initiated for the aircraft. Four days later, it was found where it had crashed at about 450 feet msl on the east edge of Sledge Island, approximately 18 miles west of Nome. An exam of the wreckage revealed the aircraft had crashed into rising terrain, while in level flight on a heading of about 250°. No preimpact mechanical problem was evident. The 1300 adt weather at Nome was in part: 400 feet overcast, visibility 2 miles with rain and fog, wind from 120° at 12 knots.

While approaching Chiredzi Airport by night on a charter flight from Bulawayo, the twin engine airplane crashed short of runway. All eight occupants were killed. It is believed the accident occurred while the pilot was attempting to land on a runway lit by temporary light/flares.

Shortly after takeoff from La Rioja-Capitán Vicente Almandos Amonacid Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed near the runway end. Both pilots were killed while all five passengers were injured.