Zone

Crash of a Pilatus PC-12/45 near San Angelo: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 14, 2023 at 1318 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N188PC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Jacksonville – San Angelo
MSN:
188
YOM:
1997
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
While on final approach to San Angelo-Mathis Field, the single engine airplane entered a rapid descent with a rate of 5,058 feet per minute then crashed in an open field located about 12 km south of the airport. The airplane was totally destroyed and both occupants were killed.

Crash of a Socata TBM-850 in Breckenridge

Date & Time: Oct 14, 2019 at 1245 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N850NK
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Angelo - Breckenridge
MSN:
432
YOM:
2007
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8195
Captain / Total hours on type:
6.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2878
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that, during the approach and while the airplane was about 500 ft above ground level and 81 knots, he "felt the descent rate increase significantly." The pilot increased engine power, but "the high rate of descent continued," and he then increased the engine power further. A slow left roll developed, and he applied full right aileron and full right rudder to arrest the left roll. He also reduced the engine power, and the left roll stopped. The pilot regained control of the airplane, but the airplane's heading was 45° left of the runway heading, and the airplane impacted trees and then terrain. The airplane caught fire, and the pilot and passenger exited through the emergency exit. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windscreens and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain bank control and adequate altitude during the approach, which resulted in his failure to maintain the runway heading and a subsequent collision with trees and terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster in San Angelo

Date & Time: Jan 24, 2003 at 1015 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N944FE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Angelo - San Angelo
MSN:
208B-0044
YOM:
1987
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4356
Copilot / Total flying hours:
13884
Aircraft flight hours:
7503
Circumstances:
The airplane impacted a dirt field and a power line following a loss of control during a simulated engine failure while on a Part 135 proficiency check flight. Both pilots were seriously injured and could not recall any details of the flight after the simulated engine failure. Witnesses observed the airplane flying on a westerly heading at an altitude of 100 to 200 feet, and descending. They heard the sound of an engine “surging” and observed the airplane’s wings bank left and right. The airplane continued to descend and impacted the ground and power lines before becoming inverted. A pilot-rated witness reported that he observed about ¼ inch of clear and rime ice on the airplane’s protected surfaces (deice boots) and about ½ inch of ice on the airplane’s unprotected surfaces. An NTSB performance study of the accident flight based on radar data indicated that the airplane entered a descent rate of 1,300 feet per minute (fpm) about 1,100 feet above the ground. This rate of descent was associated with a decrease in airspeed from 130 knots to 92 knots over a span of 30 seconds. The airplane’s rate of descent leveled off at the 1,300 fpm rate for 45 seconds before increasing to a 2,000 fpm descent rate. The true airspeed fluctuated between a low of 88 knots to 102 knots during the last 45 seconds of flight. According to the aircraft manufacturer, the clean, wing flaps up stall speed was 78 knots. However, after a light rime encounter, the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) instructed pilots to maintain additional airspeed (10 to 20 KIAS) on approach “to compensate for the increased pre-stall buffet associated with ice on the unprotected areas and the increased weight.” With flaps up, a minimum approach speed of 105 KIAS was recommended. The POH also stated that a significantly higher airspeed should be maintained if ½ inch of clear ice had accumulated on the wings.
Probable cause:
The flight crew's failure to cycle the deice boots prior to conducting a simulated forced landing and their failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the maneuver, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent loss of control. A contributing factor was the ice accumulation on the leading edges of the airfoils.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in Oklahoma City: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 23, 1999 at 1113 LT
Registration:
N345LS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Oklahoma City – San Angelo
MSN:
61-0315-085
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1500
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2945
Circumstances:
During takeoff, the twin-engine airplane was observed to roll left, pitch nose down, and impact terrain shortly after the pilot reported to ATC that he had a problem. Witnesses reported that the left engine was producing black smoke during the takeoff roll. One witness stated that the airplane had slowed to approximately 60-70 mph prior to rolling to the left. A mechanic, who worked on the airplane prior to the accident, stated that the pilot reported being unable to maintain manifold pressure (MP) with the left engine. The mechanic found that the left engine's rubber interconnect boot, which routes induction air between the turbocharger controller elbow and the fuel servo, was 'gaping open.' The mechanic reseated the boot and tightened the clamp. The pilot flew the airplane and reported no problems. During a second flight, the pilot reported that the left engine was again unable to maintain MP. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot informed the mechanic that the 'hose had slid off again' and that it had been reinstalled and he 'felt sure it was o.k.' A witness stated that he saw the pilot working on the left engine the morning of the accident. At the accident site, the left engine's interconnect boot was found disconnected. The clamp securing the boot was not located. No other preimpact anomalies were found with the engines, propellers, turbochargers, or fuel servos.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain the minimum controllable airspeed. A factor was the disconnected rubber interconnect boot, which resulted in the partial loss of left engine power.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65-B80 Queen Air near O. H. Ivie Lake: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 26, 1995 at 0950 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9NP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Waco - San Angelo
MSN:
LD-428
YOM:
1970
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2502
Captain / Total hours on type:
593.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8127
Circumstances:
Witnesses observed the airplane contact the water while buzzing a lake, 'emerge from a cloud of water,' and enter a climb trailing white vapor. As the airplane approached the lake shore, the right propeller 'quit turning,' then the airplane entered a steep right bank and impacted the ground. The right propeller lever was found in the feather position. Propeller teardowns revealed signatures indicating the right propeller was feathered and the left propeller was operating in the low pitch range at impact. Disassembly of the engines revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies, and, in the opinion of the manufacturer, 'both engines appeared capable of producing power prior to impact.' Toxicological tests showed 178.000 mg/dl (0.178%) ethanol in vitreous fluid, 90.000 mg/dl (0.09%) ethanol in blood, 114.000 mg/dl (0.114%) ethanol in brain fluid, 3.000 mg/dl acetaldehyde in brain fluid, 22.000 mg/dl acetaldehyde in blood, and 4.000 mg/dl 2-propanol in brain fluid. The levels of ethanol found indicate ingestion of alcohol, and the levels of acetaldehyde and 2-propanol (metabolites of ethanol) detected support ingestion of alcohol.
Probable cause:
The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which resulted in his improper decision to shutdown an engine, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed for single-engine flight.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B60 Duke in Wall

Date & Time: May 27, 1987 at 0851 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N4314W
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Angelo – San Antonio
MSN:
P-264
YOM:
1974
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2553
Captain / Total hours on type:
250.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2645
Circumstances:
Aircraft was destroyed during an attempted off airport emergency landing following a dual engine failure while leveling off at cruise flight. Pilot stated that left engine, then right engine surged and quit as he was leveling off at 9,000 feet msl. At the time of the engine failures the fuel totalizer was reading 60 gallons, but the aircraft fuel gauges were reading empty. Pilot broke out of overcast at 3,500 msl (about 1,200 feet agl) and was unable to find a suitable clear area to land before committing to an emergency landing in trees. Gear was down, flaps were up and neither engine was feathered at impact. Pilot stated that he knew he was out of gas when both engines quit and that he did not attempt an air start. Both occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
2. (c) refueling - disregarded - pilot in command
3. (c) fuel consumption calculations - not performed - pilot in command
4. (c) complacency - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. Weather condition - low ceiling
6. Emergency procedure - not performed - pilot in command
7. Propeller feathering - not performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
8. (f) object - tree(s)
9. (f) terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
10. (f) terrain condition - none suitable
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601P) in San Angelo

Date & Time: Aug 24, 1985 at 1700 LT
Registration:
N8045J
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San Angelo - San Angelo
MSN:
61-0528-222
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1386
Captain / Total hours on type:
35.00
Aircraft flight hours:
897
Circumstances:
The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and received 25 hours dual instruction to comply with his insurance requirements. Shortly thereafter he went out solo to practice steep turns. He climbed to 12,500 feet and leveled off. He then rolled into a 60° left bank at 200 knots airspeed by applying left aileron and back pressure. He then applied moderate left rudder. At this time the nose came up, the right wing came over the top, the nose tucked down and the aircraft entered a steep nose down spin. In his attempt to stop the spin the pilot shut down both engines. He got the spin stopped after 15 to 20 turns. He started pulling the nose up and the stall buffet was felt. Alt was 500 feet agl at this time and he was unable to restart the engines. He then made a gear up landing in a pasture which resulted in destruction of the aircraft. The pilot was uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (c) stall/spin - inadvertent - pilot in command
2. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
3. (c) lack of total experience in type of aircraft - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
4. (c) powerplant controls - improper use of - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
5. (f) terrain condition - rough/uneven
6. (c) wheels up landing - intentional - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-10 Marquise in Henderson: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 23, 1980 at 2042 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N307MA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Angelo – Albuquerque – Henderson
MSN:
0007
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
808
Circumstances:
On approach to Henderson-Sky Harbor Airport, the pilot encountered technical problems with the fuel supply system. On final, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in a rocky area located one mile short of runway. The aircraft burst into flames and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall on traffic pattern-circling after the pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Fuel system: other,
- Material failure,
- ATC failed to advise the pilot of unsafe airport conditions,
- Airport facilities: other,
- Precautionary landing on airport,
- Low on fuel,
- Wingtip tank sniffer valve o-ring seal failed before flight,
- Diverted to unlighted runway.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne II in San Angelo

Date & Time: Dec 2, 1979 at 1835 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N444JW
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Dallas - San Angelo
MSN:
31-7720015
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5680
Captain / Total hours on type:
670.00
Circumstances:
Upon touchdown at San Angelo-Mathis Field Airport, the twin engine airplane swerved then nosed over and came to rest in flames. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Swerved on landing due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on part of the pilot-in-command who delayed in initiating a go-around.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 Marquise near Austin: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1977 at 1602 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N777MA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
San Angelo - Houston
MSN:
559
YOM:
1972
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
10800
Captain / Total hours on type:
3900.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled and crashed in flames in an open field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the loss of control and the subsequent accident could not be determined.
Final Report: