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

Date & Time: Dec 18, 2004 at 2215 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N60CF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
61-0415-149
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot attempted a night landing on a taxiway in front of the control tower, which was closed at the time. The airplane overran the end of the taxiway, rolled down an embankment and struck trees. The pilot, whose identity was not confirmed, was believed to have incurred minor injuries. He subsequently paid a passerby to take him to a local hotel, and after a night's rest, he left the area. Ownership of the airplane could not be determined due to a recent sale. Approximately 250 kilos of cocaine were found onboard the airplane. Further investigation was being conducted by federal authorities and local law enforcement.
Probable cause:
The pilot misjudged his distance/speed, and his intentional landing on an unsuitable taxiway
at night. A factor in the accident was the night light conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65-A90 King Air in Wheeling

Date & Time: Nov 13, 1997 at 2141 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N80GP
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bristol - Washington DC
MSN:
LJ-137
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10000
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7290
Circumstances:
The pilots reported they experienced an engine fire during a missed approach in night, IMC conditions, and feathered the propeller and shut down the engine. On an approach to another airport, the airplane touched down short of the runway, traveled onto the runway, and then departed the left side of the runway. The pilot reported he could not maintain altitude due to ice accumulations, and the lack of power with one engine shut down. Examination of the wreckage revealed rotational damage to both engines and propellers consistent with operating engines. Neither propeller was in the feathered position. The pilot had been briefed about known moderate icing conditions, and isolated severe icing. The AFM recommended a minimum speed in icing conditions of 140 knots, and at less than 140 knots, ice could accumulate on the wings in unprotected areas. The pilot reported he flew the approach at 114 knots.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to maintain the minimum required airspeed while operating in icing conditions which resulted in ice accumulations and an inadvertent stall while on approach. Factors were the icing conditions and the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.
Final Report:

Crash of a BAe 125-3A in Waukegan

Date & Time: May 30, 1994 at 1842 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N900CD
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Wheeling - Waukegan
MSN:
25111
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
10000
Captain / Total hours on type:
950.00
Circumstances:
The corporate jet's sink rate increased during short final approach. The copilot applied elevator back pressure and nose up trim. The sink rate continued to increase. The captain observed the copilot's efforts and began applying back pressure on his control yoke. Through combined efforts of both pilots they were able to increase the pitch enough that the airplane touched down on the main gear first. However, the touchdown was hard. The on-scene investigation revealed that a trip manifest container was lodged between the copilot's control yoke column and seat frame. The pilots stated the container is required to be carried in the cockpit during lights. Both pilots said there is no designated space in the cockpit to retain the container.
Probable cause:
The pilot-in-command disregarding the location of the flight manifest container in the cockpit. Factor's associated with the accident were a jammed control column and inadequate procedures for the use and storage of the flight manifest container on the part of company management.
Final Report:

Crash of a Dassault Falcon 20D in Wheeling

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1988 at 1703 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N287W
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Akron - Wheeling
MSN:
194
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8175
Captain / Total hours on type:
2816.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7163
Circumstances:
The aircraft landed after an ILS approach to runway 03. According to the pilot shortly after touchdown he saw deer ahead on the runway. Before he could take evasive action the aircraft struck two deer. Afterwards brake pressure was lost. The pilot steered the aircraft onto grass off the right side of the runway to avoid going past the runway end and down a hill. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the deer were struck with the left main gear, fracturing a hydraulic brake line. All nine occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: on ground/water collision with object
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (c) object - animal(s)
3. (c) clearance - not possible
----------
Occurrence #2: nose gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
4. (c) landing gear, normal brake system - disabled
5. Brakes (normal) - unavailable
6. Landing gear, nose gear assembly - overload
Final Report: