Zone

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire in Ramsey: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 6, 1980 at 1617 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N969MA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fargo - Minneapolis
MSN:
408
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
4949
Captain / Total hours on type:
875.00
Circumstances:
While descending to Anoka County-Blaine (Janes Field) on a flight from Fargo, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed near Ramsey, about 13 miles northwest of Anoka Airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash during initial approach after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain,
- Visibility 4 miles or less,
- Fog,
- Icing reported by another pilot.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C90 King Air in Grand Rapids: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 18, 1975 at 0033 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4146S
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Blaine - Grand Rapids
MSN:
LJ-646
YOM:
1974
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
5411
Captain / Total hours on type:
195.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Grand Rapids-Itasca County by night, the pilot passed below the minimum descent altitude when the twin engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area located about 1-1,5 mile short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed, the passenger was killed and the pilot was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Improper IFR operation from the pilot who failed to follow the approved procedures. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Weather below minimums,
- The pilot descended below MDA.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Sabreliner 40R in Blaine: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 7, 1973 at 0659 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9503Z
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Blaine - Hibbing
MSN:
282-10
YOM:
1964
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
6402
Captain / Total hours on type:
288.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Blaine-Anoka County Airport, while climbing, the airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in a huge explosion in an open field. The aircraft was totally destroyed and both crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Final Report: