Crash of a Cessna 550 Citation II off Milwaukee: 6 killed

Date & Time: Jun 4, 2007 at 1600 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N550BP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee - Detroit
MSN:
550-0246
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Aircraft flight hours:
4402
Circumstances:
On June 4, 2007, about 1600 central daylight time, a Cessna Citation 550, N550BP, impacted Lake Michigan shortly after departure from General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MKE). The two pilots and four passengers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was being operated by Marlin Air under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 and departed MKE about 1557 with an intended destination of Willow Run Airport, near Ypsilanti, Michigan. At the time of the accident flight, marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the surface, and instrument meteorological conditions prevailed aloft; the flight operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan.
Probable cause:
The pilots’ mismanagement of an abnormal flight control situation through improper actions, including failing to control airspeed and to prioritize control of the airplane, and lack of crew coordination. Contributing to the accident were Marlin Air’s operational safety deficiencies, including the inadequate checkrides administered by Marlin Air’s chief pilot/check airman, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s failure to detect and correct those deficiencies, which placed a pilot who inadequately emphasized safety in the position of company chief pilot and designated check airman and placed an ill-prepared pilot in the first officer’s seat.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I in Bernard: 3 killed

Date & Time: Apr 29, 1996 at 1515 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N341DA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cedar Rapids - Milwaukee
MSN:
421A-0181
YOM:
1968
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
6100
Aircraft flight hours:
6804
Circumstances:
During flight, the pilot reported shutting down the left engine due to a loss of oil pressure. He declared an emergency and diverted toward an alternate airport. However, while diverting, radar and radio contact were lost, and the airplane crashed. The wreckage path covered a distance of approximately 60 feet; the descent angle during impact was estimated to be about 45°. Oil was found behind the left engine, on the left flap, on the bottom of the left horizontal stabilizer, and on the bottom of the fuselage. Also, fuel stains were seen in the grass around the airplane. No preimpact fire indications were found. The pilot had reported low oil pressure in the left engine before the accident flight, and purchased seven quarts of oil before departing. No indications of power at impact were seen on either engine or propeller. Numerous abnormalities existed with the left engine. No discrepancies were noted with the right engine. The farmer who found the wreckage reported that sleet was falling at the time of the accident. The pilot of another aircraft reported structural icing conditions.
Probable cause:
The pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies, subsequent loss of oil from the left engine, and the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed (VMC), while diverting to an alternate airport. Factors relating to the accident were: a leak from an unknown component in the left engine oil system, and the local weather condition.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S in Des Moines: 7 killed

Date & Time: Nov 25, 1985 at 1742 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N81589
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee - Des Moines
MSN:
500-3297
YOM:
1976
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Captain / Total flying hours:
7020
Captain / Total hours on type:
1553.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3185
Circumstances:
N81589 was following a Boeing 727 on ILS approach in IFR conditions. Approximately 2.5 miles from runway, N81589 suddenly deviated left nearly 90°. 39 seconds later, pilot reported he encountered severe turbulences, then said he was trying to climb. N81589 subsequently flew thru tree tops on rising terrain for approximately 2 city blocks, then hit power lines and a pole and crashed against a tree. No evidence of turbulences due to weather at/near approach altitude. Investigation showed 4.7 miles separation between aircraft when the 727 passed the point of deviation (pod). At pod, the 727 was on the ILS glide slope at 850 feet; N81589's altitude was not determined. Wind was from 120° at 3 to 6 knots, shifting more southerly withalt. Prevailing visibility was 1/2 mile; RVR for runway 12L was 6,000 feet; light rime icing was reported. Witnesses heard power interruption of one engine at pod; but there was no indication of power loss where aircraft hit trees. Radar data showed aircraft slowed to 80 knots at pod, accelerated to 100 knots during deviation, slowed to 70 knots before impact; vmca was 74 knots. Safety board believes the pilot most likely lost control due to slow speed and light airframe icing; possibly encountered wake turbulences. No reason found for loss of engine power. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
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 - rain
5. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
6. (c) wing - ice
----------
Occurrence #2: altitude deviation,uncontrolled
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
7. (f) airspeed - reduced - pilot in command
8. (c) airspeed - inadequate - pilot in command
9. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
10. Descent - uncontrolled
11. Directional control - not maintained
12. Remedial action - initiated
13. Level off - performed
----------
Occurrence #3: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
14. (f) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
15. (f) terrain condition - rising
16. Proper climb rate - not possible
17. Stall/mush
18. (f) object - tree(s)
19. (f) object - wire, transmission
20. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #5: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-9-14 in Milwaukee: 31 killed

Date & Time: Sep 6, 1985 at 1521 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N100ME
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee - Atlanta
MSN:
47309
YOM:
1968
Flight number:
YX105
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
27
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
31
Captain / Total flying hours:
5100
Captain / Total hours on type:
1100.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
5197
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1640
Aircraft flight hours:
31892
Aircraft flight cycles:
48903
Circumstances:
Midwest Express Airlines Flight 206, DC-9 N100ME arrived at Milwaukee (MKE) at 13:15 on September 6, 1985. It departed Milwaukee at 13:36 and arrived in Madison at 13:55 after an uneventful flight. At Madison, N100ME was designated as flight 105 to Atlanta (ATL), with an intermediate stop in Milwaukee. Flight 105 departed Madison at 14:25 and arrived at Milwaukee, on time and without incident, at 14:41. About 14:49, the first officer of flight 105 contacted Milwaukee Tower to request an instrument flight rule (IFR) clearance to Atlanta. The clearance was received. The Atlanta forecast included a 1,000-foot ceiling, visibility 2 miles, thunderstorms and rain showers. At 15:12, the Before Engine Start Checklist was read and accomplished in accordance with Midwest Express operating procedures. Engine start was commenced at 15:14 and the After Start Checklist was accomplished. The first officer requested clearance to taxi to runway 19R for departure. About 15:17:50, the Taxi Checklist was completed, and the engine pressure ratio (EPR) and airspeed reference bugs were set to 1.91 and 133 knots, respectively. Both indications were correct for the departure conditions applicable to flight 105. At the conclusion of the Taxi Checklist, the captain advised the first officer "Standard briefing ..." At 15:19:15, the first officer reported to the tower local controller, "Milwaukee, Midex 105, ready on 19R." Flight 105 was cleared to "position and hold" on runway 19R. The captain called for the Before Takeoff Checklist, which was completed in accordance with the COM. Flight 105 was cleared for takeoff at 15:20:28; the first officer acknowledged the clearance. The captain operated the flight controls, and the first officer handled radio communications and other copilot responsibilities during the takeoff. The Midwest Express DC-9 Flight Operations Manual required the use of standard noise abatement takeoff procedures during all line operations, unless precluded by safety considerations or special noise abatement procedures. At the time flight 105 departed, noise abatement procedures were in effect. Midwest Express also utilized "reduced thrust" takeoff procedures (at the captain's discretion) to extend engine life. The flightcrew was complying with the reduced thrust and standard noise abatement takeoff procedures. The takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, with liftoff occurring near the intersection of the midfield taxiway and runway 19R, about 4,200 feet from the start of the takeoff roll. Rotation to the takeoff attitude occurred at 140 knots. The DC-9 accelerated to 168 knots with a rate of climb of about 3,000 feet/minute, indicating a normal two-engine initial takeoff flightpath. At 15:21:26 N100ME was about 7,600 feet down the runway, reaching a height of 450 feet above the ground. At that moment there was a loud noise and a noticeable decrease in engine sound. The captain then remarked "What the # was that?" The first officer did not respond. At 15:21:29, the local controller transmitted, "Midex 105, turn left heading 175." At the time of his transmission he observed smoke and flame emanating from the right airplane engine. The captain asked the first officer, "What do we got here, Bill?" The first officer did not respond to the captain but advised the local controller, "Midex 105, roger, we've got an emergency here." Two seconds later, the captain said, "Here"; again there was no response. Neither pilot made the call outs for "Max Power" or "Ignition Override-Check Fuel System," which were part of the Midwest Express "Engine Failure after V1" emergency procedure. Meanwhile the airplane began to deviate substantially to the right and the heading changed from 194 degrees to 260 degrees in eight seconds. The vertical acceleration dropped sharply to about 0.3 G and increased to a value of 1.8 G. At that point the airplane stalled. This accelerated stall occurred at a KIAS of about 156 kts.
Probable cause:
The flight crew's improper use of flight controls in response to the catastrophic failure of the right engine during a critical phase of flight, which led to an accelerated stall and loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the loss of control was a lack of crew coordination in response to the emergency. The right engine failed from the rupture of the 9th to 10th stage removable sleeve spacer in the high pressure compressor because of the spacer's vulnerability to cracks.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Hawk Commander 681 in Greenup: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 8, 1978 at 1008 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5NP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee – Manchester – Huntington
MSN:
680-6042
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
9154
Captain / Total hours on type:
1395.00
Circumstances:
En route, the crew encountered engine problems and was cleared to divert to Ashland Airport. While descending in marginal weather conditions (low ceiling, fog and icing conditions), the crew lost control of the airplane that crashed in a field located in Greenup, west of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were below minimums.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach following a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Partial loss of power on one engine,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Visibility half a mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums.
Final Report:

Ground accident of a Cessna 207 Skywagon in Wausau

Date & Time: Apr 15, 1977 at 0850 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N1567U
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Wausau - Milwaukee
MSN:
207-0167
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
566
Captain / Total hours on type:
550.00
Circumstances:
While parked at Wausau Airport, the engine was started when the airplane departed its parking place, rolled for few yards and eventually collided with a tree. The pilot who was not on board was uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Ground collision with tree after the pilot started the engine without proper ground assistance. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot rotated propeller by hand,
- The pilot failed to turn magnetos off,
- The pilot failed to set brakes prior to start the engine.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo off Milwaukee: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 21, 1972 at 0810 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N212AD
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Detroit - Milwaukee
MSN:
31-160
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4100
Circumstances:
While flying over Lake Michigan on a flight from Detroit to Milwaukee, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed into Lake Michigan, few miles off Milwaukee. The plane wreckage and the pilot's body were never found.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 411 in Milwaukee: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 26, 1971 at 1601 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3283R
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Kearney - Milwaukee
MSN:
411-0283
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7216
Captain / Total hours on type:
230.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Milwaukee Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to fog. He continued the descent and passed below the MDA when the airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 5,7 miles short of runway. A passenger was killed while three other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Improper IFR operation. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling and fog,
- Weather conditions slightly worse than forecast,
- Descended below MDA.

Crash of a Cessna 402 in Waukesha: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 19, 1970 at 1420 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N4045Q
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Milwaukee – Waukesha
MSN:
402-0145
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2647
Captain / Total hours on type:
89.00
Circumstances:
While descending into the traffic pattern to Waukesha Airport, at an altitude of 800 feet, the Cessna 402 collided with a Cessna 150 registered N6175G with two people on board. Following the collision, both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in flames in a field. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Both pilot failed to see and avoid each other while descending to Waukesha, an uncontrolled airport. Both aircraft were not under radar contact at the time of the collision that occurred in a 45° horizontal angle.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402A in Watertown

Date & Time: Aug 8, 1970 at 1940 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N8139F
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Kenora - International Falls - Milwaukee
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3734
Captain / Total hours on type:
16.00
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Kenora, Ontario, on a flight to Milwaukee with an intermediate stop at International Falls Airport, carrying eight passengers and a pilot. En route, both engines failed and the pilot was vectored to Watertown Airport for an emergency landing. On approach, he realized we would not make it so he raised the landing gear and completed a belly landing in a field. The airplane slid for dozen yards and came to rest. All nine occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Failure of both engines and wheels-up landing caused by a fuel exhaustion. The following factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Miscalculation of fuel consumption,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Intentional wheels-up landing,
- Approach completed on closed runway,
- Failed to refuel.
Final Report: