Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airlines near Avenal: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 16, 1994 at 0240 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N63995
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Burbank - Oakland
MSN:
U-178
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4880
Aircraft flight hours:
20031
Circumstances:
The pilot was on an IFR flight plan level at 10,000 feet msl in VFR conditions. The ATP rated pilot was the sole occupant, and there was no autopilot installed in the Beech C99 Airliner. About 10 minutes after a hand-off from Los Angeles center to Oakland center was acknowledged, radar contact was lost at 0239 hours. A review of the radar data revealed that over the last 4 minutes the airplane's altitude increased to 10,500 feet, then it started a left descending turn with a maximum diameter of about 2.1 nm. The last radar returns indicate the airplane continuing the left turn and descending through 5,600 feet msl, with a descent rate of about 18,000 feet per minute. There was no evidence of a mechanical malfunction of the aircraft, engines, or propellers.
Probable cause:
Loss of aircraft control at night by the pilot for unknown reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu Mirage in Hollywood

Date & Time: Apr 7, 1991 at 1919 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N9113X
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Las Vegas – Santa Monica
MSN:
46-8608044
YOM:
1986
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
398
Captain / Total hours on type:
45.00
Circumstances:
A Piper PA-46-310P loss engine power and collided with a telephone pole during the forced landing. The pilot contacted the tracon and informed the facility he had a partial power loss. The airplane was about two miles east of the airport at about 3,500 feet msl heading in a southwesterly direction. The tracon instructed the pilot to turn 150° for radar vectors to runway 33. The pilot did not turn to the 150° heading, but continued on a southwesterly course. The airplane flew past the approach ends of two runways. The airplane continued westbound and crashed 2.5 miles west of the airport. The pilot indicated the airplane had 300 pounds (about 50 gallons) of fuel on board at takeoff. The pilot operating handbook for the Piper PA-34-310P is about 16 gallons per hour. The duration of the flight was about one hour. There was no evidence of fuel in the airplane's fuel system or any evidence of fuel spillage from either of the wings after the accident.
Probable cause:
The pilot-in-command's poor preflight planning, inadequate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot-in-command's failure to follow air traffic control verbal instructions which would have guided him to a probable safe landing at an airport.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in Mammoth Lakes: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 16, 1984 at 1600 LT
Registration:
N601FP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Mammoth Lakes - Burbank
MSN:
61P-0597-7963266
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7408
Captain / Total hours on type:
533.00
Aircraft flight hours:
15974
Circumstances:
The aircraft took off from an airport whose runways had been closed for snow removal. A notam had been filed with the Fresno FSS by the Mammoth Lakes Airport Manager at 0900 hours for taxi and runway snow removal. The pilot was aware of the notam because the manager and a lineman both said they advised him of it. Several witnesses saw the pilot enter the aircraft after declining engine pre-heat or aircraft de-icing. When advised by the lineman that the 2 qts of oil that the pilot requested did not 'register on the dipstick.' The pilot ordered another qt to be 'thrown' in and 'hurry up.' No preflight or warm up or before takeoff check was noted by observers. Turning immediately onto the runway and rolling for takeoff the pilot passed a snow plow. The aircraft used 7,000 feet (all of the runway) and left the ground in a nose high attitude. The airport elevation is 7,128 feet msl. The aircraft first struck a dirt mound 3/4 of a mile after takeoff. After maintaining further flight for approximately 280 feet which crossed a small ravine the aircraft collided with the far side of the ravine and started to break apart, stopping 144 feet further east. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) preflight planning/preparation - improper - pilot in command
2. (c) ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (c) checklist - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
5. (f) wing - ice
6. (c) rotation - delayed - pilot in command
7. (f) misc eqpt/furnishings, shoulder harness - not engaged
8. (f) aircraft performance, climb capability - disabled
9. (c) stall/mush - not understood - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
10. (f) notams - issued - airport personnel
11. (c) airport snow removal - not identified - pilot in command
12. (c) proper climb rate - not possible - pilot in command
13. (c) notams - disregarded - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-53D-DO Skytrooper in Burbank

Date & Time: Dec 5, 1982
Operator:
Registration:
N163E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
7394
YOM:
1942
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While rolling on a taxiway, the airplane went out of control and collided with a hangar. There were no injuries but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Loss of control for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in Burbank: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1982 at 0616 LT
Registration:
N8007J
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Burbank – Farmington
MSN:
60-0493-160
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
17000
Aircraft flight hours:
709
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed into IFR conditions with a non-instrument rated pilot in the left front seat and his wife, an instrument rated pilot, in the right front seat. After the pilot reported climbing through 2,800 ft msl, the radar controller observed that the aircraft deviated from the course and began to lose altitude. He attempted to communicate with the pilot, but was unable. Witnesses observed the aircraft maneuver in and out of the overcast. Two witnesses watched it change course to the right from southeast to northwest, pull up into the overcast, then dive out of the clouds in a near vertical attitude and crash. During an examination of the wreckage, no preimpact, mechanical failures were found. The aircraft was designed to be flown in instrument conditions from only the left front seat. Both occupants as well as one person on the ground were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) procedures/directives - improper - pilot in command
2. (c) inadequate transition/upgrade training - pilot in command
3. (c) flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
5. (f) weather condition - fog
6. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (c) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340 in Hollywood

Date & Time: May 18, 1978 at 1642 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N711CS
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Sacramento – Hollywood
MSN:
340-0066
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3794
Captain / Total hours on type:
280.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Hollywood-Burbank Airport, one of the engine failed. The pilot decided to attempt an emergency landing when the airplane crash landed in a rough terrain located few miles from the airfield. All three occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure on approach due to low cylinder compression. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Controlled collision with ground,
- Attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Rough terrain,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Maintenance annual inspection refuse to license the aircraft due to low compression of both engines,
- Last annual record in December 1976.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 23 in Hollywood

Date & Time: Mar 30, 1978 at 2250 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N133W
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Phoenix - Hollywood
MSN:
23-021
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2600
Captain / Total hours on type:
1680.00
Circumstances:
After touchdown at Hollywood-Burbank Airport, the crew started the braking procedure but the airplane was unable to halt within the remaining distance. It overran and eventually collided with a fence. All five occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Overran and collided with fence upon landing due to the failure of the normal braking system. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Hydroplaning on wet runway,
- Airport conditions: wet runway,
- Rain,
- Left outboard anti-skid valve inoperative.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas YC-112A-DO in Van Nuys: 3 killed

Date & Time: Feb 8, 1976 at 1044 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N901MA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Burbank - Ontario
MSN:
36326
YOM:
1946
Flight number:
MA901
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
10558
Copilot / Total flying hours:
6600
Aircraft flight hours:
10280
Circumstances:
During acceleration, the flight engineer stated, "Look at that warning light on No. 3." There was no verbal response from any other crewmember. The aircraft was accelerated normally to V1 and V2, was rotated, and was lifted off without difficulty. Shortly after the captain called for gear and flaps up, a loud noise was heard and the flight engineer announced that they had lost the No. 3 engine. The No.. 1 blade of the No. 3 propeller had and the loss of the blade caused an imbalance that caused separation, almost instantly, of the No. 3 engine from the aircraft. The propeller blade penetrated the lower fuselage of the aircraft and penetrated the lower inboard side of the No. 2 engine. As the blade passed through the fuselage, it severed pneumatic, hydraulic, and emergency airbrake lines as well as the electrical wiring for propeller controls and some engine instruments. The first officer informed the captain that the engine had separated. The aircraft continued to climb and began a right turn. An emergency was declared and the crew requested and received clearance for a landing on runway 07. Debris was discovered on the intersection of runways 07/25 and 15/23, but the pilot decided to continue the approach. The aircraft touched down near the end of runway 07. The captain called for flap retraction and for the props to be put in reverse pitch. The engine sounds increased, and the first officer advised the captain that the propellers were not going into reverse and to use the brakes. As the engine sound decreased, the captain replied that nothing was happening. Maximum power was applied and the aircraft again took off, and cleared the blast fence at the end of the runway by approximately 30 feet (9 m). At 10:39:35, the crew advised the Hollywood-Burbank Tower that they had no brakes and that they were proceeding to the Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The crew the saw that the No. 2 oil pressure was low and that there was no BMEP indication. Attempts to feather the No. 2 propeller were not successful, and the No. 2 engine stopped with the propeller blades at a positive, low pitch angle. Van Nuys cleared the flight for landing on runway 16, but the crew replied that they wouldn't make it, and requested runway 34. At 10:43:22, the Van Nuys local controller cleared the flight to land on runway 34L. While approaching the airport, the airplane was losing altitude and airspeed. The crew realized that they would not make it to the runway. The throttles were retarded and a forced landing was attempted on the Woodley Municipal Golf Course, about 1 mile south of the Van Nuys Airport. The aircraft touched down on it's main landing gear and bounced three times. The nose of the aircraft struck a 24-inch-high (61 cm) concrete foundation of a partially constructed building. The aircraft came to rest against a house trailer parked nearby and caught fire about 20 minutes after it came to rest. Three crew members were killed while three other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
The degraded performance of the aircraft after two engines failed. The dual failure was precipitated by the in-flight failure of the No.1 blade of the No.3 propeller assembly. The failure of the propeller blade resulted from a fatigue crack which originated in the leading edge under the deicer boot. The crack had not been detected during an improperly performed overhaul.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo Chieftain in Hollywood: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 18, 1969 at 0524 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N9150Y
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hollywood - Fresno
MSN:
31-199
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1825
Captain / Total hours on type:
162.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Hollywood-Burbank Airport, while climbing, one of the engine lost power. Control was lost and the airplane crashed near the runway end. While the passenger was seriously injured, both pilots were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors:
- Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the crew,
- The pilot-in-command failed to abort takeoff,
- Partial loss of power on one engine due to ignition system failure,
- Spark plug carbon deposit,
- The pilot failed to maintain flying speed,
- The passenger was seating between both pilots with no seat or belt,
- The total weight was near gross weight,
- The cargo was not tied down.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-49J near Lone Pine: 35 killed

Date & Time: Feb 18, 1969 at 0510 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N15570
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Hawthorne - Burbank - Long Beach
MSN:
6320
YOM:
1943
Flight number:
HNA708
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
32
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
35
Captain / Total flying hours:
16348
Captain / Total hours on type:
6000.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
3445
Copilot / Total hours on type:
967
Aircraft flight hours:
48274
Circumstances:
While cruising by night under VFR mode, the crew changed his route from 170° to 195° direction Palmdale as they thought flying over the valley. Shortly later, the airplane struck a ridge and crashed down the slope of Mt Whitney (11,770 feet high) located about 12,5 miles west of Lone Pine. SAR operations were quickly conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 35 occupants was found. The wreckage was located in a very hazardous area on August 8, 1969 and was not detectable till this date due to snow accumulation on the ground. The accident was unsurvivable.
Probable cause:
The deviation from the prescribed route of flight, as authorized in the company's FAA-approved operations specifications, resulting in the aircraft being operated under IFR weather conditions, in high mountainous terrain, in an area where there was a lack of radio navigation aids.
Final Report: