Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIB in Livermore

Date & Time: May 3, 1985 at 2142 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N444LM
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Thermal - Livermore
MSN:
T-295
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
13000
Captain / Total hours on type:
3000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3468
Circumstances:
The aircraft landed hard and short of the runway. The impact collapsed the right main landing gear and the aircraft was destroyed by the post crash fire. The pilot reported that on short final a muffled 'pop' was heard and the aircraft yawed to the right. Directional control was regained and the aircraft landed hard. Post accident inspection failed to disclose any pre-impact failure/malfunction of the aircraft or engines. Right engine propeller slash marks in the runway indicate power was being produced on the engine at touchdown. Both pilots were uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) descent - improper - pilot in command
2. Pull-up - delayed - pilot in command
3. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: main gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
4. Landing gear,main gear - overload
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIB in Rockport: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 19, 1982 at 1323 LT
Registration:
N336SA
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Corpus Christi-Rockport
MSN:
T-336
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3800
Circumstances:
Prior to the FAF during a VOR/DME approach, the Merlin was cleared to change to the unicom frequency. The pilot of the Merlin contacted unicom and requested and airport advisory. The unicom operator replied that there was a pirep of 500 feet over the field with two miles visibility but 'zilch' over the water. Shortly after this contact the pilot of the AA-5A called on unicom turning final. The pilot of the AA-5A was given the same advisory as given to the Merlin and further advised that another aircraft was inbound for runway 14. The aircraft collided less than one mile northwest of the approach end of runway 14. AIM 157 recommends that VFR inbound flights broadcasting entering downwind and final. AIM 363 recommends that, when making an IFR approach to an airport not served by a tower or FSS and after ATC advises to change to advisory frequency, to broadcast intentions, including type approach, position and when over FAF inbound. All three occupants in both airplanes were killed.
Probable cause:
Midair collision during IFR circling due to inadequate visual lookout on part of both crew. The following findings were reported:
- Unavailable control tower,
- Unavailable radar approach/departure,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Inadequate air/ground communications from both crew.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III in Cameron: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jun 10, 1981 at 2100 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N555AM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
T-201
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity. The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation and lost control of the aircraft that entered a dive and crashed into gulf of Mexico off Cameron. Both occupants were killed. They were engaged in an illegal smuggling flight.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash after the pilot-in-command continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Thunderstorm activity,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- Aircraft loaded with marijuana,
- Severe thunderstorm in progress.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA227TT Merlin IIIC in San Marcos

Date & Time: Mar 24, 1981 at 1100 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N1011R
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
T-303E
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7922
Captain / Total hours on type:
112.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local test flight at San Marcos Airport. Following several circuits, the crew initiated a new approach with the copilot at controls. Due to an improper level off, the twin engine airplane landed hard and came to rest. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing caused by an improper level off on part of the pilot at controls and an inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command. This was a manufacturer's test flight with an FAA copilot at controls.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIA in Lille: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 16, 1980
Operator:
Registration:
CF-03
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lille - Lille
MSN:
T-262
YOM:
1976
Flight number:
BAF53
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a local training flight at Lille-Lesquin Airport and was completing several touch-and-go maneuvers. On final approach, just prior to touchdown, the airplane went out of control and crashed onto the runway. It was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were killed.
Crew:
Jean-Claude Timmermans, student pilot,
Étienne Lemmens, instructor.
Probable cause:
It was determined that one of the propeller went into reverse mode just prior to touchdown for undetermined reasons, causing the aircraft to lose speed and height.

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III in San Marcos

Date & Time: May 31, 1979 at 1042 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5654M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Marcos - San Marcos
MSN:
T-303
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5300
Captain / Total hours on type:
6.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was engaged in a local experimentation flight at San Marcos Airport on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the last segment, at level off, the airplane landed hard and struck the runway surface. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the airplane came on its belly. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Hard landing following improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper level off,
- Overload failure,
- FAA flight test pilot at controls.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIB in Grønholt

Date & Time: Apr 26, 1978
Operator:
Registration:
OY-ATW
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
T-261
YOM:
1976
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew encountered an unexpected situation and was forced to attempt an emergency landing near Grønholt Airport. Upon landing in a pasture, the airplane lost its both wings and came to rest. There were no injuries.

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIA in Nassau: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 3, 1977 at 1923 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5329M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Farmingdale - Nassau
MSN:
T-243
YOM:
1974
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1200
Captain / Total hours on type:
600.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Nassau Airport, the pilot decided to make a go-around when the twin engine airplane struck trees and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees on final approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin IIIA in San Antonio: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 3, 1977 at 0054 LT
Registration:
N34SM
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Seattle – San Antonio
MSN:
T-263
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
18812
Captain / Total hours on type:
283.00
Circumstances:
While approaching San Antonio Airport by night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low ceiling, rain and fog. Too low, the airplane struck trees and crashed in flames few miles short of runway 12R. It was destroyed by a post crash fire and both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees on initial approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling (200 feet),
- Rain,
- Fog,
- Cleared for ILS approach runway 12R, navigation receiver turned to frequency for ILS approach to runway 03R.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226T Merlin III in Montreal

Date & Time: Apr 10, 1973
Registration:
N5296M
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
T-219
YOM:
1971
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While descending to Montreal-Dorval Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and a limited visibility due to snow falls. Unable to locate the runway, the captain decided to abandon the approach and initiated a go-around manoeuvre. Few minutes later, a second attempt to land was also abandoned for similar reasons. During a third attempt, the crew descended below the glide to establish a visual contact with the ground when the airplane struck the ground. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the airplane slid in an open field before coming to rest few dozen meters short of runway. All eight occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The crew descended below the MDA in marginal weather conditions.