Zone

Crash of a Canadair CRJ-200ER in Saint George: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 17, 2012 at 0100 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N865AS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
7507
YOM:
2001
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Registered N865AS, the landed at Saint George Airport, Utah, at 2236LT after completing flight DL7772 from Salt Lake City. All occupants deplaned and the aircraft was parked on the ramp for the night. Shortly after midnight, a commercial pilot climbed over the barbed wire fence, open the door of the aircraft (which was not closed by key) and managed to start the engines. The aircraft rolled for several metres before then impacted the terminal building, went through the fence and came to rest in a parking lot. The pilot shot himself in the cockpit. Polices forces confirmed later that he wanted to stole the aircraft after his girlfriend was killed that day in Colorado Springs.
Probable cause:
Aircraft stolen by a commercial pilot who shot himself in the cockpit after trying to take off without any clearance (illegal flight). No investigations were conducted by the NTSB on this event.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage in the Caribbean Sea

Date & Time: Nov 24, 2011 at 0823 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N534P
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Aguadilla - Saint George
MSN:
46-36423
YOM:
2007
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2175
Captain / Total hours on type:
643.00
Aircraft flight hours:
215
Circumstances:
While delivering the single-engine, turbine-powered airplane to Brazil during a multiple leg trip, the pilot decided to fly direct from his departure airport in Puerto Rico to his destination airport in Grenada instead of following the island chain and staying within power-off gliding distance of the shore. During the cruise portion of the flight, a total loss of engine power occurred over open water in visual meteorological conditions at 27,000 feet, about 119 miles west of a suitable landing area. During the loss of power, the engine torque indication dropped from the cruise power setting to 0 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of torque, the engine then began to vibrate, and smoke began emanating from the engine. The pilot ditched the airplane, it sank, and it was not recovered. The pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were rescued by a French Navy helicopter. The pilot said that he had decided to take a direct route instead of staying closer to the island chain between the two airports because he had ferried 3 airplanes down to Brazil in the last year and that it was a judgment call and a calculated risk because the engine was reliable. At the airplane’s planned operating altitude of 27,000 feet, the airplane could have glided about 54 miles; if the route had been planned to take advantage of this glide distance, the pilot could have remained off shore island chain and taken a shorter, although not direct, route. Review of fueling documentation, the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), and statements made by the pilot and pilot-rated passenger also revealed that on the accident flight, good operating practices were disregarded. For instance, during fueling, the airplane which was not equipped with fuel heaters, had been topped off with fuel, but no fuel icing additive had been added, even though the pilot was planning to operate the airplane at 27,000 feet. The airplane was also operated in excess of the manufacturer's published weight limitations, and no power setting or performance information was available for climb and cruise operations in excess of these limitations. Furthermore, according to the pilot, before the loss of engine power, the torque was about 937 ft-lbs. According to the pilot-rated passenger, before the failure, the torque gauge was indicating about 980 ft-lbs. Review of the maximum cruise performance chart in the POH and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) revealed that both of the stated torque settings exceeded the maximum torque setting listed on the chart. Operating the engine beyond the recommended power settings specified in the POH/AFM for a prolonged period will result in accelerated deterioration due to hot section component distress and will affect engine reliability and durability.
Probable cause:
The total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to comply with the airplane and engine limitations, and his decision to fly over water beyond power-off gliding distance from shore.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage near Saint George: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 30, 2009 at 0708 LT
Registration:
N927GL
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
North Las Vegas – Cedar City
MSN:
46-36400
YOM:
2006
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
782
Circumstances:
Radar data indicated that the airplane departed for a cross-country flight, climbed to a cruise altitude of 9,700 feet msl, and maintained a northeasterly course of 050 degrees magnetic direct to its destination. About 11 minutes after takeoff, the airplane entered a 1,000 foot-per-minute descent. The airplane continued to descend at this rate until it impacted terrain at an elevation of 4,734 feet. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane was still on its northeasterly course towards the destination at impact. Ground scars at the initial point of impact were consistent with the airplane being wings level in a slight nose-down pitch attitude. No mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine were identified during the airplane wreckage examination. A postimpact fire destroyed all cockpit instrumentation, and no recorded or stored flight data could be recovered. Weather conditions at the time were clear, and light winds. The pilot had some moderate heart disease that was noted during the autopsy. He also had a history of stress and insomnia, which was documented in his FAA medical records. Toxicology findings noted the use of a sedating and impairing over-the-counter medication (chlorpheniramine) that was taken at some undetermined time prior to the accident. The investigation could not conclusively determine whether the pilot’s conditions or medication use were related to the accident. The reason for the airplane’s descent to ground impact could not be determined.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent for undetermined reasons.
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA26T Merlin IIB in Saint George: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 7, 1998 at 1547 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N501FS
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Anchorage - Saint George
MSN:
T26-146
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
13000
Captain / Total hours on type:
250.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7799
Circumstances:
The flight departed Anchorage, Alaska, and was en route to Saint George, Alaska, to pick up passengers for a return flight to Anchorage. The pilot-in-command (PIC) was seated in the right seat, and the copilot was seated in the left seat. This was the copilot's third flight in this make and model airplane, and he was not qualified as a crewman in it under 14 CFR Part 135. There was no record of when the copilot last performed a non directional beacon (NDB) approach. The NDB indicator in the cockpit was on the left side of the left control column, partially blocked from the view of the PIC. The minimum altitude for the segment of the approach prior to the final approach fix (FAF) was 1,700 feet. The Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for the final segment of the approach was 880 feet. The reported ceiling was 100 feet overcast. The Air Route Traffic Control Center radar altitude readout for the airplane revealed that the airplane descended below 600 feet prior to reaching the FAF. The radar ground track revealed the airplane on course prior to the course reversal procedure turn on the published approach. The radar ground track showed that after the course reversal, the airplane continued through the published final approach course, and turned to parallel the inbound track three miles north of course. The radar plot terminates about the location of the 550 feet high cliffs where the airplane was located. Weather at the time of the accident was reported as 100 foot overcast. This location was 5.5 miles (DME) from the airport. A review of radar tapes from the day prior to the accident, show the same airplane and PIC tracking the published course outbound and inbound, and descending below the published approach minima to below 500 feet. This flight successfully landed at the airport. An interview with the copilot from the successful flight revealed that the PIC intentionally descended to 300 feet on the approach until he acquired visual contact with the ocean, then flew to the airport to land. An aircraft flying on the published inbound final approach course at 5.5 DME is over water, approximately three miles from the nearest terrain.
Probable cause:
The pilot-in-command's failure to adequately monitor the instrument approach and the copilot's failure to intercept and maintain the proper NDB bearing on the approach. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's obstructed view of the NDB indicator and his overconfidence in his personal ability, the terrain (cliffs), low ceiling, and the flight crew's disregard of the minimum descent altitude.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna T207A Skywagon near Littlefield: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 20, 1996 at 1939 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6468H
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Grand Canyon - Saint George
MSN:
207-0532
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
23000
Captain / Total hours on type:
7.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10009
Circumstances:
The airplane was being positioned to another airport at night. The flight was over mountainous terrain. The airplane collided with the top of a 4,600-foot bluff. The pilot had a history of transient global amnesia. Examination of the accident site revealed a 567-foot long wreckage path, oriented along the direct course line from the departure point to the destination. Damage to the engine and propeller indicated that the engine was developing power at impact.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during descent for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the dark night and mountainous terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II near Tooele: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 16, 1988 at 0110 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N222BL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Saint George - Salt Lake City
MSN:
421B-0824
YOM:
1974
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
6375
Aircraft flight hours:
2774
Circumstances:
The flight departed St. George, UT, at 0100 mst enroute to Salt Lake City (SLC). A flight plan was not filed. The weather forecast was for IMC with mountain tops obscured. The pilot requested flight following from SLC center and proceeded on the airways until about 40 miles south of SLC where radar contact was lost. Upon loss of radar contact, the controller asked the pilot what his altitude was. The pilot replied that he was at 10,500 feet. That was the last contact with the flight. After repeated attempts to reestablish contact, it was determined that the aircraft had gone down. A search was begun and the wreckage was found 30 miles southwest of SLC at the 9,500 feet level of a mountain. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - snow
3. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
4. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
5. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) became lost/disoriented - inadvertent - pilot in command
7. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
8. (c) flight into known adverse weather - attempted - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401 in South Lake Tahoe: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 27, 1986 at 0720 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N988JM
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
South Lake Tahoe - Saint George
MSN:
401-0305
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
4400
Aircraft flight hours:
5860
Circumstances:
Aircraft took off in clear weather but below-freezing temperatures with heavy frost on aircraft surfaces. No preflight, run-up or warm-up performed. On initial climb, left engine power loss occurred for undetermined reason, but probably associated with temp/cold engine operation. Pilot turned into dead engine in apparent course reversal, failed to feather propeller and lowered landing gear during turn. Aircraft stalled, rolled inverted and crashed into residential area. Engine teardown revealed no mechanical defects. Post-mortem and toxicological tests revealed no physiological impairment. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) aircraft preflight - not performed - pilot in command
2. (f) weather condition - temperature extremes
3. (c) miscellaneous - undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
Findings
4. (f) aircraft performance,engine out capability - deteriorated
5. (f) ice/frost removal from aircraft - not performed - pilot in command
6. (f) gear extension - improper - pilot in command
7. (f) propeller feathering - not performed - pilot in command
8. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Boeing B-52G-95-BW Stratofortress near St George: 7 killed

Date & Time: Apr 11, 1983
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
58-0161
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
464229
YOM:
1958
Flight number:
Lure 75
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Robins AFB on an exercise (Red Flag mission) bound for California. En route, it deviated from the prescribed flight path several times and was assisted and reoriented by an AWACS crew. While cruising over Utah in poor visibility, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located 20 miles north of St George. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all seven crew members were killed.
Crew:
Cpt Donald W. Hiebert, pilot,
1st Lt Thomas C. Lennep Jr., copilot,
Cpt Jonathan M. Bishop, radio navigator,
1st Lt Matthew W. Cervenak, navigator,
1st Lt Bernard S. Russell, EWO,
Col Caroll D. Gunther, pilot observer,
S/Sgt Major Carter, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Navigation error on part of the crew.

Crash of a Lockheed 5C Vega in Saint George: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 13, 1938
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
NC48M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saint George - Saint George
MSN:
100
YOM:
1930
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft named 'Honeymoon Express' was owned by Paul Mantz (pilot) and used for cinematography. With two photographer on board, he was completing a flight for the movie 'Only Angels Have Wings' with Cary Grant. While landing, the aircraft hit the ground violently, went out of control and came to rest upside down. A photographer was killed while both other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Boeing 95 near Saint George

Date & Time: Feb 24, 1930
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
NC419E
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Los Angeles – Salt Lake City
MSN:
1063
YOM:
1929
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was completing a night mail flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. En route, weather conditions deteriorated and while attempting an emergency landing, he lost control of the airplane that crashed in a mountainous area located about 20 km west of St George, Utah, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was seriously injured.