Crash of a Beechcraft B100 King Air in Aurora

Date & Time: Oct 6, 2009 at 1450 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2TX
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Fort Worth
MSN:
BE-103
YOM:
1981
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4120
Captain / Total hours on type:
103.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1063
Circumstances:
The pilot added fuel to the multi-engine airplane prior to departure. While en route to the destination airport, the pilot noted that the fuel gauges indicated that the right main-tank appeared to be almost empty and the left tank appeared half full. The pilot initiated the crossfeed procedure in an effort to supply fuel to both engines from the left main tank. Shortly after beginning the crossfeed procedure, both engines experienced a total loss of power. The pilot notified air traffic control (ATC) and selected a field to perform a forced landing. Prior to touchdown, the right engine produced a surge of power and, in response, the airplane rolled to the left. The surge abruptly ended and the pilot continued the forced landing by lowering landing gear and extending the flaps. The airplane impacted the ground, coming to rest in an open field. A postimpact examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Although both fuel tanks were ruptured, the accident scene did not contain a large amount of residual fuel. A small fuel slick was found on the surface of a nearby pond; however, the grass area underneath both wings did not contain dead grass; this would have been expected if there was more than a negligible amount of fuel in the tanks at time of impact.
Probable cause:
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel management.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500B in Tulsa: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 16, 2008 at 2243 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N712AT
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tulsa - Oklahoma City
MSN:
500-1118-68
YOM:
1961
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4373
Captain / Total hours on type:
695.00
Aircraft flight hours:
17888
Circumstances:
The commercial pilot departed on a night instrument flight rules flight in actual instrument meteorological in-flight conditions. Less than 2 minutes after the airplane departed the airport, the controller observed the airplane in a right turn and instructed the pilot to report his altitude. The pilot responded he thought he was at 3,500 feet and he thought he had lost the gyros. The pilot said he was trying to level out, and when the controller informed the pilot he observed the airplane on radar making a 360-degree right turn , the pilot said "roger." Three minutes and 23 seconds after departure the pilot said "yeah, I'm having some trouble right now" and there were no further radio communications from the flight. The on scene investigation disclosed that both wings and the tail section had separated from the airframe. All fractures of the wing and wing skin were typical of ductile overload with no evidence of preexisting failures such as fatigue or stress-corrosion. The deformation of the wings indicated an upward failure due to positive loading. No anomalies were noted with the gyro instruments, engine assembly or accessories
Probable cause:
The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation and the pilot exceeding the design/stress limits of the aircraft. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's reported gyro problem, the dark night conditions , and prevailing instrument meteorological conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Convair CV-640 in Bartlesville

Date & Time: Oct 28, 1987 at 0734 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N3411
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chicago - Oklahoma City
MSN:
31
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5389
Captain / Total hours on type:
2480.00
Aircraft flight hours:
44764
Circumstances:
The captain was cross-feeding both engines from the right tank while the first officer (f/o) was flying, without informing the f/o. The captain then left the cockpit while cross-feeding. Both tank valves and the right boost pump were on. The right tank ran dry, the right engine failed, and the prop autofeathered while the captain was absent. The captain returned, turned on the left boost pump, but left the right boost pump and the valves open, and attempted to restart the right engine. The left engine then failed but this was not recognized by the crew. The electrical system failed due to the attempted restarts and the fact that nonessential equipment was not turned off. The captain did not apply sufficient pull to the emergency gear handle to lower the gear manually. The aircraft was landed on a short wet sod runway, with the gear and flaps up, at a high rate of speed. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, through a ditch, across a road, and into trees. Both pilots escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) 1 engine
2. Fluid, fuel - starvation
3. (c) fuel tank selector position - inattentive - pilot in command
4. (c) crew/group coordination - improper - pilot in command
5. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
6. (c) all engines
7. (c) fluid, fuel - starvation
8. (c) emergency procedure - improper - pilot in command
9. (f) checklist - inadequate - company/operator management
----------
Occurrence #3: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
10. Airspeed - excessive - copilot/second pilot
----------
Occurrence #4: gear not extended
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
11. (c) gear extension - improper use of - pilot in command
12. (f) electrical system - deteriorated
----------
Occurrence #5: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
13. (f) terrain condition - ditch
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690B in Albuquerque

Date & Time: Oct 8, 1987 at 1615 LT
Registration:
N711TT
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Albuquerque
MSN:
690-11362
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7230
Captain / Total hours on type:
1086.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1829
Circumstances:
Aircraft was landing on runway 17 at Coronado Airport, 9 NM north of Albuquerque, NM Intl Airport. Pilot said he brought props into reverse and aircraft went off right side of runway. Pilot brought props out of reverse, realigned aircraft on runway, and reversed props again. Aircraft went off right side of runway and collided with runway lights and culverts. Right main and nose landing gears collapsed. Witnesses said approach was too fast with high sink rate that was arrested in landing flare. Pilot said he did not think there had been any mechanical failure or malfunction, but later wrote he thought left prop failed to reverse. Examination of aircraft revealed both prop blade tips curled opposite direction of rotation about 6 inches from tip.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - on ground/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
1. (f) airspeed (vref) - excessive - pilot in command
2. (c) directional control - not maintained - pilot in command
3. (f) planned approach - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
4. (f) object - runway light
----------
Occurrence #3: gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Sabreliner 75A in Liberal

Date & Time: Sep 29, 1986 at 1204 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N64
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Liberal
MSN:
380-35
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8448
Captain / Total hours on type:
1540.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7327
Circumstances:
The right main landing gear downlock pin retracted just before or during touchdown. The airplane touched down 21 feet short of the runway. It traveled that 21 feet, traveled the full length of the 6999- foot runway, then traveled another one-fourth of a mile and stopped on a golf course. No pre-touchdown mechanical, hydraulic or electrical problems could be found. All four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
1. (c) procedures/directives - not followed - pilot in command
2. (c) gear retraction - inadvertent - copilot/second pilot
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - on ground/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
----------
Occurrence #3: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
3. (f) terrain condition - ditch
----------
Occurrence #4: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
4. (f) object - fence
----------
Occurrence #5: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
5. (f) terrain condition - water, glassy
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air in Montague: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1986 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N810Q
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Bowie
MSN:
LC-26
YOM:
1960
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
10624
Captain / Total hours on type:
50.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5779
Circumstances:
The pilot was observed in the area for several minutes while he was performing steep climbs and descents, low passes, and buzzing. Witnesses reported power was removed from both engines simultaneously, as if the throttles were retarded, followed by a loud pop. The aircraft began to wobble slightly and then a surge of engine power was heard only seconds before tree impact occurred. The aircraft then yawed sharply and impacted the ground. The wreckage was found near Montague, about five miles northeast of Bowie Airport, the intended destination. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (c) airspeed - not identified - pilot in command
2. (f) low pass - performed - pilot in command
3. (f) buzzing - performed - pilot in command
4. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
5. (f) ostentatious display - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
6. (c) object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft H18 in Oklahoma City: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 5, 1985 at 1511 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1461G
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Lawton
MSN:
BA-637
YOM:
1962
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
16000
Captain / Total hours on type:
3000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9660
Circumstances:
Atr pilot departing airport under VMC experienced failure of the right engine shortly after lift-off. The aircraft yawed right followed by a steep right roll, contacting power lines with the right wing and subsequently impacted the ground. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft with the exception of both engines and a portion of the right wing panel. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft caused by blockage of oil jet due to fod. Oil line from scavenge sump to scavenge pump inlet had been replaced prior to accident. The aircraft had experienced maintenance problem (oil leak) approximately 2 weeks prior to accident. Source of fod is undetermined. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. Fluid, oil - starvation
2. Engine assembly - failure, total
3. (c) maintenance - improper - other maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
4. (c) directional control - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Altus: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 6, 1985 at 0943 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N5780M
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Altus - Oklahoma City
MSN:
402B-0358
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4227
Captain / Total hours on type:
643.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6100
Circumstances:
During an engine start, prior to the flight, the left engine backfired 2 or 3 times. A witness described the 1st backfired as 'the loudest I have ever heard.' When the aircraft took off, two persons living near the departure end of the runway noted that the aircraft (believed to be the same) sounded different and had a 'cluttering sound'. While climbing, the pilot declared an emergency and reported a fire in the left engine. He was vectored toward Altus AFB while descending in IFR conditions. He descended into VFR conditions and saw the airport about 3 miles away. A witness saw smoke and fire trailing from the vicinity of the left engine. He stated that the aircraft's nose came up, the plane rolled to the left, then it entered a steep, nose down, inverted attitude just before it crashed and burned. An exam revealed the engine exhaust manifold header assy had failed and allowed hot exhaust gases to escape in the engine nacelle in the vicinity of fuel and oil lines. Corrosion had progressed thru the header assy. Ad 75-23-08 requested general inspection, but contained note 'do not remove clamps.' No record of replacement in 6,100 hours. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
1. (c) exhaust system, manifold/pipe - corroded
2. (c) maintenance, inspection - inadequate
3. (f) procedure inadequate - manufacturer
4. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
5. (c) exhaust system, manifold/pipe - failure,total
6. (c) exhaust system, manifold/pipe - leak
----------
Occurrence #2: fire
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
7. (c) miscellaneous - fire
----------
Occurrence #3: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
8. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
9. (f) weather condition - clouds
10. Initiated - pilot in command
11. Precautionary landing - attempted - pilot in command
12. Aircraft handling - not maintained
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream Commander 980 in Carlsbad: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 12, 1982 at 2130 LT
Registration:
N9789S
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Carlsbad - Oklahoma City
MSN:
695-95037
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
7000
Captain / Total hours on type:
35.00
Aircraft flight hours:
460
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed about half a mile southwest of the departure end of runway 32L. The runway had been illuminated at the time of takeoff with the aircraft making a left turn into an area that was not illuminated toward the mountains. It was a very dark night with an indistiguishable horizon southwestward toward the higher mountains. There were two brightly lit softball complexes located to the north toward the city. A weather study indicated probable moderate to severe turbulence and up and down drafts below 7,000 feet msl, and light to moderate wind shear from the surface up to 300 feet agl. A witness who saw the fireball stated she had lost control of her car because a gust of wind pushed her car into the other lane of traffic. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - downdraft
3. (f) weather condition - gusts
4. (f) weather condition - high wind
5. (f) weather condition - turbulence
6. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
7. (f) weather condition - windshear
8. (c) proper climb rate - not attained - pilot in command
9. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Perryton

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1981 at 0700 LT
Registration:
N7574Q
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Perryton
MSN:
421B-0349
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
14619
Captain / Total hours on type:
1400.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Perryton Airport in poor weather conditions, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck power cables. It lost height and crashed short of runway 17 threshold, bursting into flames. All eight occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Collision with wires/poles on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Rain,
- Fog,
- Visibilit 1/4 mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Pilot reported one mile visibility,
- Ground witnesses reported 1/4 mile or less.
Final Report: