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Crash of a BAe 3112 Jetstream 31 in Fort Smith

Date & Time: Nov 27, 2008 at 1515 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
C-FNAY
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hay River - Fort Smith
MSN:
768
YOM:
1987
Flight number:
PLR734
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The Northwestern Air BAe Jetstream 31 was operating as PLR734 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Hay River to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. After conducting an IFR approach to Runway 11, PLR734 executed a missed approach and flew a full procedure approach for Runway 29. At approximately 0.2 nautical miles from the threshold, the crew sighted the approach strobe lights and continued for a landing. Prior to touchdown, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and landed hard on the runway at 1515 mountain standard time. The aircraft remained on the runway despite the left main landing gear collapsing. The two flight crew members and three passengers were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft through the left main cabin door. There was no post-impact fire.
Probable cause:
Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors:
1. Though icing conditions were encountered, the airframe de-icing boots were not cycled nor was the Vref speed increased to offset the effects of aircraft icing.
2. An abrupt change in aircraft configuration, which included a reduction in power to flight idle and the addition of 35° flap, caused the aircraft’s speed to rapidly decrease.
3. The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall due to the decreased performance caused by the icing. There was insufficient altitude to recover the aircraft prior to impact with the runway.
Finding as to Risk:
1. The company had not incorporated the British Aerospace Notice to Aircrew into its standard operating procedures (SOP) at the time of the occurrence. Therefore, crews were still required to make configuration changes late in the approach sequence, increasing the risk of an unstabilised approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Fort Smith

Date & Time: Sep 2, 1983 at 2101 LT
Registration:
N3594G
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Laredo - Brinkley - Fort Smith
MSN:
31-8052089
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6107
Captain / Total hours on type:
724.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1308
Circumstances:
The aircraft had departed Laredo, TX, on a flight to Fort Smith, AR, with an intermediate stop at Brinkley, AR. The fuel tanks were 'topped' at Laredo, but no fuel was added at Brinkley. During arrival at Fort Smith, the pilot declared an emergency for 'extremely low fuel.' He was cleared for a straight-in approach. Very shortly after that, both engines began running rough with both fuel boost pump lights illuminated. The pilot informed the tower that he would not be able to reach the airport. He selected a dark unpopulated area to land and extended the gear. When he turned on the landing lights, he realize he had selected a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed after impacting trees. The pilot had begun the first of six flights at 0608 cdt and had gotten very little sleep the preceding night. Both occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - VFR pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) fluid, fuel - exhaustion
3. (c) fuel supply - inadequate - pilot in command
4. Aircraft performance,two or more engines - inoperative
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: landing
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
5. (f) light condition - dark night
6. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo in Lexington: 5 killed

Date & Time: Oct 3, 1978 at 2145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N338J
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lexington - Fort Smith
MSN:
31P-051
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
11226
Circumstances:
Following a night takeoff from Lexington-Blue Grass Airport, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It struck tree tops, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees and subsequent crash during climb following an engine failure caused by a crankshaft failure. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Rain,
- Fog,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Visibility less than a mile,
- Both propeller blade angles found at 30° settings,
- Flaps found extended.
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter at Salkeld Lake

Date & Time: Apr 17, 1977
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CF-QOR
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Fort Smith - Salkeld Lake
MSN:
375
YOM:
1960
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane was on a flight that day from its base at Fort Smith to Salkeld Lake, Northwest Territories. The pilot, after intentionally planning to land as close to the end of the lake as possible, overshot the selected landing area. In an attempted go-around, the aircraft could not out-climb the rising terrain. A tailwind condition prevailed at the time and the Otter was five hundred pounds over gross weight. It collided with the trees, crashed and burned, seriously injuring the two on board.
Source: http://www.dhc-3archive.com/DHC-3_375.html and Karl E. Hayes.

Crash of a Lockheed C-130E Hercules on Mt Sugarloaf: 7 killed

Date & Time: Oct 15, 1973
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
62-1845
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Little Rock - Fort Smith
MSN:
3808
YOM:
1963
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
En route from Little Rock to Fort Smith, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low visibility. The four engine airplane struck the slope of Mt Sugarloaf located northwest of Hot Springs and was destroyed upon impact. All seven crew members were killed.
Crew:
Cpt Richard W. Lane, pilot instructor,
Cpt David G. Noltensmeyer, pilot,
Lt Douglas P. Menssen, copilot,
Cpt John M. Davis, navigator,
Lt Robert L. Nelson, navigator,
S/Sgt William R. Dawson, flight engineer,
T/Sgt Bernard J. Thaler, load adjuster.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-30-DK near Fort McMurray

Date & Time: Oct 4, 1957 at 1352 LT
Operator:
Registration:
CF-DGJ
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Edmonton – Fort Smith – Yellowknife – Port Radium
MSN:
14009/25454
YOM:
1944
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Edmonton at 1137LT on a flight to Port Radium, NWT, with refuelling stops at Fort Smith and Yellowknife, NWT. The aircraft climbed to 9,000 feet on a direct route to Fort Smith. Between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, it encountered light rime ice which was easily disposed of by the deicing equipment. At approximately 1320LT, the aircraft was abeam Fort McMurray and encountered freezing rain about five minutes later. The course was altered for Embarras with the intention of joining the airway and following it as far as Fort Smith. The build-up of ice was very rapid at this time and could not be overcome by the deicing equipment. The crew requested permission to descend to 7,000 feet and during the descent additional ice was picked up. The aircraft could not maintain height at 7,000 feet and went down to 5,000 feet, still running through rain squalls. Throttle and propeller settings were for 40" and 2 500 rpm respectively. Further altitude was lost and at about 4,500 feet, severe turbulence was encountered. This together with the accumulation of ice, caused a further loss of height, and the aircraft collided with trees. The pilot closed the throttles and at 1352LT and carried out a forced landing. Both pilots suffered serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
The aircraft continued its flight into an area of freezing precipitation until the accumulation of ice and severe turbulence resulted in partial loss of control during which the aircraft struck trees. The type of weather encountered was more severe than had been forecast, which was considered as a contributing factor.
Final Report: