Crash of a Beechcraft Beechjet 400A in Beckley

Date & Time: Apr 17, 1999 at 1451 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N400VG
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
West Palm Beach – Beckley
MSN:
RK-113
YOM:
1996
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4719
Captain / Total hours on type:
107.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
6250
Copilot / Total hours on type:
148
Aircraft flight hours:
1215
Circumstances:
The airplane touched down about 1/3 beyond the approach end of Runway 28, a 5,000 footlong, asphalt runway. The PIC stated, 'as usual,' he applied 'light' braking and attempted to actuated the airplane's thrust reverser (TR) system; however, the TR handles could not be moved beyond the 'Deploy-Reverse-Idle' position. After the PIC cycled the levers two or three times, he began to apply maximum braking. A passenger in the airplane stated he looked out of the cockpit window, saw the end of the runway, and the airplane seemed like it was still moving 'pretty fast.' As the airplane approached the end of the runway, he could see smoke, which he believed was coming from the airplane's tires. He then sensed the airplane was falling. The co-pilot stated he had no memory at all of the accident flight. Review of the CVR revealed the co-pilot said that the airplane was 'Vref plus about twenty,' when the airplane was 100 feet over the runway threshold. The PIC could not recall the airplane's touchdown speed, however, he stated that it seemed like the airplane was still traveling 50 to 60 knots when it departed the end of the runway. A pair of parallel tire marks were observed 3,200 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. The tire marks extended past the end of the runway and onto a 106 foot-long grass area. The airplane came to rest on a plateau about 90 feet below the runway elevation. Examination of the airplane, including the optional TR system did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions. The airplane's estimated landing distance was calculated to be about 3,100 feet. The PIC reported about 4,700 hours of total flight experience, of which, 107 hours were in make and model. The PIC stated he had never performed a landing in the accident airplane without using the TR system. Winds reported at the time of the accident were from 290 degrees at 15 knots, with 21 knot gusts.
Probable cause:
The pilot-in-command misjudged his altitude and airspeed which resulted in an overrun. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of total flight experience in make and model, the pilot's reliance on the airplane's optional thrust reverser system and his inability to engage the airplane's thrust reverser system for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a BAe 3101 Jetstream 31 in Beckley

Date & Time: Jan 30, 1991 at 2355 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N167PC
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Charlotte - Beckley
MSN:
710
YOM:
1986
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
17
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5000
Captain / Total hours on type:
3400.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8841
Circumstances:
Aircraft was dispatched with inoperative airframe deice system, tho an operational deice system was required for flight in known icing conditions. During descent to land, aircraft encountered light icing conditions. Capt believed aircraft could 'handle it' and continued descent. As he began ILS final approach, he noted significant increase of ice accumulation and used higher than normal approach speed. As full (50°) flaps were set, aircraft began buffet and pitched nose down. Capt corrected with full back pressure on control column, but aircraft landed hard, gear collapsed and aircraft slid about 3,600 feet to a stop. No preimpact mechanical anomaly was found, except for inoperative deice system. Investigation revealed pilots had received printout of weather from company computer system with surface observation and terminal forecast, but no area forecast (FA). Pilots and ground personnel were not aware that FA was available at company weather terminal. FA forecasted light and occasional moderate rime and mixed icing in clouds and precipitation above freezing level. Weather deteriorated, but pilots did not require inflight weather info or pireps. Flight mnl noted tailplane ice may cause nose down trim change with flap extension. There was evidence of tail plane stall, lack of company training in cold weather operations, deficiencies in use of deicing systems, and lack of FAA surveillance.
Probable cause:
Flight into known adverse weather conditions by the pilot, which resulted in ice accumulation on the aircraft and subsequent loss of aircraft control (tail plane stall) as the flaps were fully extended. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate use of the preflight briefing service, inadequate training provided to the pilots by company/management personnel, inadequate surveillance by the faa, and icing conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in Beckley: 6 killed

Date & Time: Nov 24, 1977 at 1105 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N801HD
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
DuPage - Beckley
MSN:
31-7620031
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
6500
Captain / Total hours on type:
232.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Beckley-Raleigh County Airport, the pilot encountered foggy conditions. During the last segment, the twin engine airplane struck a steel reinforced concrete wall and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with object due to improper IFR operation and improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Delayed in initiating go-around,
- Fog,
- High obstructions,
- Visibility down to zero.
Final Report: