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Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Middlefield

Date & Time: Jan 18, 2023 at 0903 LT
Registration:
N101MA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Youngstown – Detroit – Minneapolis
MSN:
31-7752186
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9275
Captain / Total hours on type:
750.00
Aircraft flight hours:
17154
Circumstances:
According to a preliminary review of airplane track data and pilot statements provided to law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the purpose of the flight was to pick up a sixth passenger at Willow Run Airport (KYIP), Detroit, Michigan, before continuing to Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the airplane climbed through about 6,000 feet mean sea level (msl) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot observed oil leaking from the right engine nacelle. About the time the airplane reached about 7,400 feet msl, the pilot noted a loss of right engine power. He secured the engine, declared an emergency, requested to divert to the closest airport, and the air traffic controller vectored the airplane for the RNAV RWY 11 approach at 7GA. The pilot successfully completed the approach and reported that the airplane touched down in the “first one-third” of the landing runway “about 120 knots with zero flaps.” The pilot determined that he would not stop the airplane before it reached the departure end of the 3,500-ft-long runway, but chose to continue on the ground rather than abort the landing with one engine inoperative and climb the airplane back into IMC for another instrument approach. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, continued through the grass overrun, and impacted a hill and a fence before coming to rest upright about 600 feet beyond the runway end. All three landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Crash of a Cessna T303 Crusader in Binghamton

Date & Time: Nov 1, 1999 at 0616 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N511AR
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Portland – Youngstown
MSN:
303-00192
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2430
Captain / Total hours on type:
60.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5480
Circumstances:
While in cruise flight, at 6,000 feet, the left engine lost power. The pilot attempted a restart of the engine, but only about one-half rotation of the left engine propeller was observed, and the engine was secured. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain altitude and initiated a decent. He requested and was cleared for an instrument approach at an airport where the weather conditions were, 1/4 statute mile of visibility, fog, and a vertical visibility of 100 feet. On the approach, at the minimum descent altitude, the pilot executed a missed approach. As the airplane climbed, the pilot reported to the controller that the 'best altitude [he] could get was 2,200 feet.' A second approach was initiated to the reciprocal runway. While on the second approach, the pilot 'was going to fly the aircraft right to the runway, and told the controller so.' He put the gear down, reduced power, and decided there was 'no hope for a go-around.' He then 'flew down past the decision height,' and about 70-80 feet above the ground, 'added a little power to smooth the landing.' The pilot also stated, 'The last thing I remember was the aircraft nose contacting the runway.' A passenger stated that once the pilot could not see the runway, [the pilot] 'applied power, pitched the nose up,' and attempted a 'go-around' similar to the one that was executed on the first approach. Disassembly of the left engine revealed that the crankshaft was fatigue fractured between connecting rod journal number 2 and main journal number 2. Review of the pilot's operating handbook revealed that the single engine service ceiling, at a weight of 4,800 pounds, was 11,700 feet. The average single engine rate of climb, at a pressure altitude of 6,000 feet, was 295 feet per minute. The average single engine rate of climb, at a pressure altitude of 1,625 feet, was 314 feet per minute. Review of the ILS approach plate for Runway 34 revealed that the decision height was 200 feet above the ground.
Probable cause:
The pilot's improper in-flight decision to descend below the decision height without the runway environment in sight, and his failure to execute a missed approach. A factor in the accident was the failed crankshaft.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 23 in Columbia

Date & Time: Jul 2, 1991 at 1856 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N500FM
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Youngstown - Columbia
MSN:
23-088
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4964
Captain / Total hours on type:
4039.00
Aircraft flight hours:
13594
Circumstances:
The pilot had computed landing performance information for a landing on a wet runway with anti-skid; sufficient runway surface was available. Touchdown was normal, however during the braking process, the airplane started to fishtail and the pilot believed that the anti-skid system had failed. Therefore, the pilot turned the antiskid system off and continued the rollout with normal braking. The airplane went off the departure end of runway 05 and sustained substantial damage. Performance data indicated more runway surface was required for a safe landing on a wet runway without anti-skid assistance. The braking sequence of events described by the pilot resembled dynamic hydroplaning where there was a complete loss of braking effectiveness rather than an anti-skid malfunction. An examination of the airplane failed to disclose any mechanical problems.
Probable cause:
The pilot's premature decision to turn off the anti-skid during landing roll. Factors to this accident were hydroplaning conditions.

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 Marquise in West Point: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 4, 1985 at 1852 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N275MA
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Youngstown - West Point
MSN:
255
YOM:
1973
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
28818
Captain / Total hours on type:
1500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
45804
Circumstances:
After being delayed at least 2 days at Youngstown, OH, due to maintenance problems the pilot departed at approximately 1725 hours with the knowledge that the weather at his destination was ift to lifr. In addition, the pilot was scheduled for a vacation and had expressed hopes of departing on it that evening. The aircraft was seen circling West Point Municipal Airport in and out of low clouds, fog, and/or smoke from a nearby mill. Immediately before the aircraft collided with trees 6.5 miles west of the airport, a witness saw red lights, one on the rear and one close to the front of the aircraft, which was estimated to be flying at approximately tree top level. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
2. (c) became lost/disoriented - inadvertent - pilot in command
3. Self-induced pressure - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
5. (f) weather condition - fog
6. (f) weather condition - obscuration
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
7. (f) light condition - dark night
8. (f) object - tree(s)
9. (c) missed approach - not performed - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 in Franklin: 6 killed

Date & Time: Nov 20, 1983 at 1819 LT
Registration:
N6226X
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Youngstown – Plattsburgh – Burlington – Youngstown
MSN:
500-1098-52
YOM:
1961
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
1527
Captain / Total hours on type:
33.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5421
Circumstances:
Before departing Youngstown, OH, the pilot filed two IFR flight plans, one for a flight to Plattsburgh, NY, the other for a return flight from Plattsburgh back to Youngstown. After a 2 hour and 10 minutes flight to Plattsburgh, 70 gallons of fuel was added, but the person who serviced the aircraft indicated the tanks were not full after servicing. The plane then made a 10 minutes flight to Burlington, VT, but no fuel was added at Burlington. The pilot then took off on a return flight to Youngstown. During the descent phase to Youngstown, the pilot requested vectors to the closest airport. He was provide vectors to the Chess Lamberton Airport and advised it was 6 miles away. A short time later, the pilot said the aircraft had lost power. Subsequently, it crashed in rolling, wooded terrain. During an exam, no fuel was found in the aircraft. No other evidence of a malfunction or failure was found. With the passenger and cargo load, a maximum of about 104 gallons of fuel could have been used without exceeding the certificated gross weight of the aircraft. At 45 to 55% power, the aircraft burned 17 to 22 gallons per hour. Wind gusts 30 knots. All six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) continued - pilot in command
3. (c) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
4. (c) fuel supply - inadequate - pilot in command
5. Aircraft performance, two or more engines - inoperative
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: other
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
6. (f) light condition - dark night
7. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
8. (f) weather condition - fog
9. (f) weather condition - rain
10. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
11. (f) object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18 in Charleston: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 25, 1979 at 2317 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N1812D
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Charlotte - Youngstown
MSN:
A-826
YOM:
1952
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7928
Captain / Total hours on type:
1800.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a cargo flight from Charlotte to Youngstown, the pilot reported engine problems and elected to divert to Charleston-Kanawha Airport for an emergency landing. After being cleared, he initiated the descent when the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper IFR operation,
- Lubricating system: lines, hoses, fitting,
- Oil leak,
- Pilot fatigue,
- Low ceiling,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Pilot departed on last leg of flight despite observing large oil leak,
- Pilot on duty since 0730LT.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S near Burton: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 9, 1979 at 0005 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N438A
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Youngstown - Pontiac
MSN:
BA-452
YOM:
1959
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8600
Captain / Total hours on type:
5000.00
Circumstances:
The pilot, on a cargo flight from Youngstown to Pontiac, decided to make a low pass over his mother's house. By night, the airplane struck tree tops and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed. He was the leader of a formation of three aircraft when the accident occurred.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees after the pilot misjudged clearance. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Exercised poor judgment,
- Unwarranted low flying,
- Inadequate supervision of flight crew.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Youngstown

Date & Time: Apr 10, 1979 at 1442 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N617M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Flint - Youngstown
MSN:
BA-322
YOM:
1957
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1369
Captain / Total hours on type:
106.00
Circumstances:
For unknown reasons, the twin engine airplane landed hard and bounced. It went out of control and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was uninjured.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground following an improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported.
- Improper recovery from bounced landing,
- Touch and go landing,
- Aircraft porpoised.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Youngstown: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 10, 1970 at 2110 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3604B
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chicago - Youngstown
MSN:
BA-22
YOM:
1954
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1411
Captain / Total hours on type:
382.00
Circumstances:
During a night approach to Youngstown Airport while on a cargo flight from Chicago, both engines stopped simultaneously. The airplane lost height, struck trees then crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure on approach caused by a mismanagement of fuel on part of the pilot-in-command. The following factors were reported:
- Fuel starvation,
- The fuel selector was positioned between tanks,
- Failure of both engines,
- Both fuel selectors not fully open.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-47D in Harrisburg: 6 killed

Date & Time: Oct 22, 1958
Operator:
Registration:
43-48300
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Perrin – Youngstown – Harrisburg-Olmstead
MSN:
14116/25561
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a flight from Perrin AFB (Denison, Texas) to Olmstead AFB (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) with an intermediate stop at Youngstown, Ohio. On final approach to Olmstead AFB, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with rain falls and fog. While under instruments at an altitude of 700 feet, the airplane struck tree tops, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area located two miles short of runway. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all six occupants were killed.
Crew:
Cpt E. D. Kossick, pilot,
1st Lt J. O. McMichael, copilot,
A2c William C. Bailey, flight engineer,
Lt Col J. F. Tracy, navigator.
Passengers:
S/Sgt C. D. Jolley,
M/Sgt S. W. Christian.