Fort Smith

At 0641LT, during the hours of darkness, the takeoff run on Runway 30 commenced. Eight seconds after liftoff, at a height of approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the copilot (FO) observed an abnormal landing gear indication and notified the captain. Two seconds later, the FO called for the captain to reduce the speed; the captain acknowledged, and two brief changes in propeller rpm occurred within six seconds. During the initial climb, the captain maintained a shallow climb angle and attitude, the aircraft’s speed increased to approximately 165 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), and the aircraft reached a maximum height of approximately 140 feet AGL. At this point, the aircraft began a shallow descent. Six seconds later, the FO observed that the aircraft was losing altitude and called “Descending”. One second later, the terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) began to produce an aural alert and, simultaneously, the aircraft impacted trees 0.5 nautical miles (NM) past the end of Runway 30. During this impact, the left-wing structure was compromised, resulting in a fireball. Approximately three seconds after the aircraft’s initial collision, the aircraft impacted additional trees and then terrain 0.6 NM from the end of Runway 30 and 0.1 NM left of the extended runway centreline. During the final portion of the accident sequence, one passenger was ejected from the aircraft (the seat and safety belt remained in the aircraft) and received minor injuries. All six other occupants were killed and the airplane was destroyed.

The pilot reported that he had added fuel at the previous fuel stop and that he was using a fuel totalizer to determine the quantity of fuel onboard. After climbing to a cruise altitude of 14,000 feet above ground level, he discovered that the fuel mixture control was frozen and that he was unable to lean the mixture to a lower fuel flow setting. The pilot reported that because of the increased fuel consumption, he briefly considered an en route stop for additional fuel but decided to continue. During descent, the airplane experienced a complete loss of power in both engines, and the pilot made an emergency off-field, gear-up landing about 7 miles from the destination. The airplane impacted terrain and thick scrub trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, both engine mounts, and the fuselage. A postaccident examination found that only a trace of fuel remained. The pilot also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure and that his inadequate fuel management was partly because he had become overconfident in his abilities after 50 years of flying.

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.

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.