Crash of a Douglas B-26 Invader in Morley: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 13, 1984
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FFIM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
28496
YOM:
1944
Flight number:
Tanker 5
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
While on a fire fighting mission, the left wing detached in flight and the aircraft crashed, bursting into flames. Sole on board, the pilot was killed. It is believed that the wing detached following a structural failure.

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 Watson Lake: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 1, 1982
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-GWJG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
28860
YOM:
1944
Flight number:
Tanker 9
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances while engaged in a fire fighting mission. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Crash of a Douglas B-26 Invader near Edwards AFB: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 3, 1981 at 0928 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9417H
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Edwards AFB - Edwards AFB
MSN:
27932
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
3522
Captain / Total hours on type:
139.00
Circumstances:
In flight, the twin engine airplane suffered a wing failure and crashed near Edwards AFB. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure in flight. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Wings: spars,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Left wing separated during maneuvering flight,
- Fatigue found at wing station 141 on lower forward spar cap.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas A-26C Invader in Biggin Hill: 7 killed

Date & Time: Sep 21, 1980 at 1514 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3710G
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Biggin Hill - Biggin Hill
MSN:
18759
YOM:
1943
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
8000
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was taking part to an airshow at Biggin Hill Airport for the Battle of Britain air display. Shortly after take off from runway 21, the pilot made a turn to pass over the airport when the aircraft nosed down and crashed in a huge ball of fire about 500 yards from the airfield. All seven occupants were killed.
Crew:
Don Bullock, pilot.
Passengers:
Peter Warren,
Arthur Heath,
Don Thompson,
Kevin Vince,
Gary French,
Roger Russell.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The airplane was intact until impact and both engines were running properly.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas B-26 Invader in Slave Lake: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 24, 1980
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FBVH
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
28003
YOM:
1944
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances in Slave Lake while engaged in a firefighting mission. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Crash of a Douglas B-26C Invader near Georgetown: 4 killed

Date & Time: Mar 2, 1980 at 1115 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4204A
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
28919
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
9220
Captain / Total hours on type:
240.00
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Reno in the mid-morning. En route, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with icing when control was lost. The airplane went into a spin and crashed, killing all four occupants.
Probable cause:
Stall and subsequent crash due to improper in-flight decisions and airframe ice. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Deficiency, company maintained equipment, services, regulation on part of the personnel,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Blowing snow,
- Aircraft near aft CofG limit,
- No longitudinal stability study.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas A-26A Invader in Chino

Date & Time: Feb 9, 1978 at 1300 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N99218
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Mojave - Chino
MSN:
18796
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1200.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Chino Airport, the crew lost control of the airplane that crashed short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were seriously injured. They were completing a ferry flight from Mojave.
Probable cause:
Loss of control on final approach after the n°2 propeller went into reverse thrust for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Thrust reversal unwanted,
- Material failure.
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:

Crash of a Douglas A-26B Invader near Grand Junction: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 16, 1976 at 0850 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N5426E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Grand Junction - Grand Junction
MSN:
27425
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7000
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, departed Grand Junction Airport on a fire fighting mission. While turning to final approach for slurry drop, the twin engine airplane flew into a mountain slope and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot failed to follow approved procedures. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Misjudged altitude and clearance,
- Jettisoned load.
Final Report: