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Crash of a Cessna 402B in Tullahoma: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 23, 1993 at 0328 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N405PC
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tullahoma - Harrisburg
MSN:
402B-1381
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4302
Aircraft flight hours:
7693
Circumstances:
A witness reported that the airplane used the entire runway to get airborne, reached about 300 feet agl after liftoff, and drifted right. It then impacted trees about 1/3 mile from the departure end of the runway. Damage to the trees indicated that the airplane was in a right bank at impact. Both propellers showed evidence of rotation at impact. Estimated weight calculations showed that the airplane was at least 165 lbs in excess of max gross weight; this does not include an unknown amount of fuel on board prior to the last refueling. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to ensure that the airplane maximum gross takeoff weight was not exceeded, the dark night, and rain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Bristol: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 31, 1989 at 1606 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N9114B
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tullahoma – Kalamazoo
MSN:
46-8408046
YOM:
1984
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1619
Captain / Total hours on type:
17.00
Aircraft flight hours:
705
Circumstances:
After being cleared to descend to 12,000 feet and to deviate around a 'big cell', the aircraft entered an area of level two and three thunderstorms. Subsequently, an in-flight breakup occurred and wreckage was scattered over a four mile area. During the breakup, the right wing and empennage separated from the aircraft. The left wing and spar also failed at the same location as the right wing, but the left wing remained with the fuselage. No pre-accident failure, malfunction or metal fatigue of the aircraft was found drg the investigation. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Continued flight by the pilot into known adverse weather and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, which resulted in failure of the wing spars and separation of the right wing and empennage (stabilizers). Contributing factors were: continued flight by the pilot above the maneuvering speed (va), his lack of familiarity with the make and model of aircraft, and thunderstorms.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell 1121 Jet Commander in Tullahoma

Date & Time: Mar 13, 1975 at 1440 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N711JT
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - Tullahoma
MSN:
1121-091
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4300
Captain / Total hours on type:
70.00
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful flight from Oklahoma City, the twin engine airplane landed on runway 36 at Tullahoma-Northern Regional Airport. After touchdown, it was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran the wet runway before colliding with trees. All seven occupants escaped with various injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Overshoot runway and collided with trees after the crew delayed in initiating go-around. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Wet runway,
- Hydroplaning on wet runway,
- Touchdown on runway 36 near intersection with runway 24, approximately 2,000 feet remaining.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18S in Tullahoma

Date & Time: Feb 14, 1974 at 0235 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N313A
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nashville - Chattanooga
MSN:
A-257
YOM:
1946
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1244
Captain / Total hours on type:
385.00
Circumstances:
While on a night approach to Tullahoma Airport, the left engine caught fire. The crew was able to extinguish the fire and the propeller was feathered. Unfortunately, the pilot missed the runway and the captain decided to initiate a go-around manoeuvre when the airplane stalled and crashed. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Fire on left engine after a fuel line failed on approach. The following factors were reported:
- Loose parts,
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Fire in engine,
- Low ceiling,
- Obstructions to vision,
- Suspected or known aircraft damage,
- Loose fuel line.
Final Report: