Zone

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Clovis

Date & Time: Aug 9, 2015 at 0925 LT
Registration:
N726JB
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Melrose – Clovis
MSN:
421B-0020
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3700
Captain / Total hours on type:
300.00
Circumstances:
The private pilot reported that he was approaching the airport for landing in the multi-engine airplane when both engines began to surge. The pilot attempted to switch to the auxiliary fuel tanks, but inadvertently switched the left engine fuel selector to the off position. The left engine subsequently experienced a total loss of engine power. On final approach for landing, the airplane impacted terrain and was subsequently consumed by a postimpact fire; the fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the accident could not be determined. An examination of the airplane's engines and systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's improper management of fuel to the left engine during approach for landing, which resulted in a total loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation, and his subsequent failure to maintain control during the final landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed 5 Vega in Clovis: 4 killed

Date & Time: Aug 11, 1929
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
NC870E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
70
YOM:
1929
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
Brand new, the aircraft was on its way to be delivered to its new owner, Middle States Airlines. On board were four employees of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation: two pilots and two engineers. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in a prairie. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane while searching for a cockpit vent cover blown from an airplane on takeoff.