Zone

Crash of a Hawker-Siddeley HS.125-3B in Columbia: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 30, 1990 at 2205 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
G-OBOB
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Crossville - Olathe
MSN:
25069
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1525
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8720
Circumstances:
The aircraft was en route at 31,000 feet, when the low pressure fuel filter warning light illuminated. The pilot diverted toward Columbia, MO, but before reaching Columbia, both engines lost power. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed about 2 miles east of the airport. An investigation revealed the fuel was contaminated with water. The fuel filter deicing system was operational, but a post-accident examination revealed the deicing tank was empty. This was the 2nd flight since the deice tank had been serviced. The manufacturer's info indicated the supply tank should have provided about 3 to 4 hours of filter deicing operation. One of the pilots was killed.
Probable cause:
Inadequate preflight by the pilot(s), water contamination of the fuel, low level of deice fluid (methanol) in the deice tank, and subsequent ice blockage of the fuel filters. Darkness was a related factor.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560A in Crossville: 5 killed

Date & Time: Mar 29, 1969 at 1129 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N2761B
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Benton Harbor - Atlanta
MSN:
560-442
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
889
Captain / Total hours on type:
236.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude in poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed few dozen seconds later in a huge explosion. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors:
- The pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- The pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Turbulences associated with clouds and thunderstorms,
- Airframe ice,
- Ice carburetor,
- The pilot entered known icing conditions with no prop or airframe de-icing systems on aircraft.
Final Report: