Crash of a Rockwell 1121 Jet Commander near Latrobe: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 2, 1988 at 1013 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N44
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Pittsburgh - Latrobe
MSN:
1121-130
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
16957
Captain / Total hours on type:
4428.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10519
Circumstances:
Aircraft entered an area of forecast moderate icing. Ice detection system had been intermittently inoperative. The aircraft entered holding in icing conditions while checking flight inspection equipment. Evidence indicated crew noted ice accretion, activated surface de-ice system, ice broke loose and entered engine intakes. Both engines flamed out. During emergency descent crew initially re-starts, but neither engine would sustain power. Crew requested vectors to more distant airport. Both pilots were seen drinking previous night. Copilot had recently lost drivers license for dui. Captain had decided to retire that day. Copilot had worked in flight ops 3 days in 8 weeks and had limited training in flight inspection. Both pilots had personal stresses which may have influenced performance. Captain's contaminated thoracic blood revealed 0.057% alcohol. Putrefaction would accentuated for part of alcohol level. Copilot had trace alcohol in urine only. Both engines showed compressor fod consistent with ice ingestion. No other aircraft system or engine malfunction found.
Probable cause:
Failure of the pilot in command to observe the rapid accretion of ice on the airplane due to his attention being diverted.
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: maneuvering - holding (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
2. (c) ice/frost removal from aircraft - delayed - pilot in command
3. (f) inattentive - pilot in command
4. (f) psychological condition - pilot in command
5. (f) psychological condition - copilot/second pilot
6. (f) inadequate initial training - copilot/second pilot
7. Inadequate surveillance, insufficient staff - faa (organization)
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: maneuvering - holding (ifr)
Findings
8. (f) fuselage - ice
9. Ice/frost removal from aircraft - performed
10. (c) compressor assembly, blade - foreign object damage
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
11. Object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 441 Conquest II in Latrobe: 5 killed

Date & Time: Nov 11, 1985 at 1804 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N59MD
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Rockford - Derry
MSN:
441-0177
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1760
Circumstances:
During arrival, the pilot was advised the destination weather was: estimated 500 feet overcast, visibility one mile with fog, airport below minimums. The pilot elected to make an NDB runway 23 approach, but said he would divert if a missed approach was made. He was provided radar vectors and was cleared for the approach. At the IAF (initial apch fix/tiney intersection), radar service was terminated and the pilot was told to contact tower. On tower frequency, the pilot was again reminded the airport was below minimums. Approximately two minutes later, he reported over the outer marker (OM) which was 4.2 miles past (southwest of) the NSB/final approach fix (FAF) and 3.9 miles northeast of the airport. Seconds later, the tower transmitted info (just recorded from ARTCC) that the aircraft was 2-1/2 mi east of course. Tower tried to notify the pilot, but radio and radar contact were lost. Investigations revealed the aircraft impacted a ridge nearly 4 miles past the NDB and two miles left of course at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet, but before passing the OM. Minimum descent altitude (MDA) between the NDB and OM was 2,220 feet msl. MDA after passing the OM was 1,940 feet; airport elevation was 1,161 feet. No preimpact aircraft problems were found. The NDB facility operated satisfactorily during flight and ground checks. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
5. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
7. (c) proper alignment - not maintained - pilot in command
8. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
9. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
10. (f) terrain condition - rising
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Latrobe

Date & Time: May 17, 1985 at 2020 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N66892
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pittsburgh - Latrobe
MSN:
31-7405191
YOM:
1974
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3350
Captain / Total hours on type:
280.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9567
Circumstances:
During an IFR arrival, the aircraft was vectored for an NDB runway 23 approach to the Westmoreland County Airport. At the NDB final approach fix (8.1 miles from the runway), the crew turned inbound and continued to the airport. They contacted the tower and reported over the ILS outer marker (an intermediate point on the NDB final approach, 3.9 miles from the runway). The tower issued the local landing advisories and cleared the aircraft to land. Moments after the copilot advised the captain that they were 15 seconds from the missed approach point, the aircraft collided with trees. Impact occurred 3.8 miles se of the airport at the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 1,900 feet amsl. An examination of the aircraft records indicated a recurring and current squawk concerning the hsi slaving system. Just before beginning the approach, the Latrobe wind had changed from 230° at 4 knots (a headwind) to a strong quartering tailwind. During arrival the crew were advised the wind was from 340° at 18 knots. They had figured their timing to the missed approach point by using a ground speed of 120 knots. Earlier that day, the same crew and aircraft had terminated the same NDB approach, 1 mile east of the airport. All seven occupants were injured, five seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) flight/nav instruments,horiz situation ind (hsi) - failure,partial
2. (c) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed - pilot in command
3. (f) light condition - dusk
4. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
5. (f) weather condition - fog
6. (f) weather condition - rain
7. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
8. Compensation for wind conditions - improper
9. Proper alignment - not maintained
10. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
11. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 414 Chancellor in Coatesville: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985 at 1310 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1994G
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Latrobe - Coatesville
MSN:
414-0601
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
2200
Captain / Total hours on type:
49.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3695
Circumstances:
Aircraft was on its runway 29 approach when it collided with ground one mile from the airport. A witness saw he aircraft fly over the airport to the west between 500 to 1,500 feet. Witnesses near the accident site saw the aircraft making abrupt maneuvers at low altitude prior to the accident. Engine sounds was described as 'racing', 'uneven', and 'loud'. Weather condition was described as fog, low ceiling, and light rain. Another pilot in same type aircraft was unable to land due to weather. Examination of the aircraft did not disclosed evidence of malfunction. Flight approach navaid facilities flight checked to be operational. There was no evidence of pilot physical impairment or incapacitation. The aircraft collided with the ground in a near vertical attitude. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (c) aircraft handling - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
Final Report: