Crash of a Lockheed L-188C Electra in Ardmore: 83 killed

Date & Time: Apr 22, 1966 at 2030 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N183H
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Monterey - Ardmore - Columbus
MSN:
1136
YOM:
1961
Flight number:
AFA280D
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
93
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
83
Captain / Total flying hours:
16247
Captain / Total hours on type:
1247.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
12355
Copilot / Total hours on type:
1155
Aircraft flight hours:
4019
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Monterey Airport, California, on a charter flight to Columbus, Georgia, with an intermediate stop at Ardmore Municipal Airport, Oklahoma, carrying 93 US soldiers and a crew of five on behalf of the Military Air Command. Following an uneventful flight from Monterey, the crew started the descent to Ardmore Municipal Airport by night and marginal weather conditions. An ADF instrument approach to runway 08 was abandoned and the crew decided to follow a visual approach to runway 30. While descending to runway 30 in poor visibility, the captain (also PIC) suffered a heart attack. The aircraft commenced an uncontrolled descent slightly banked to the right until it struck the ground and disintegrated about 1,5 mile short of runway 30. All five crew members and 75 passengers were killed while 18 others were seriously injured. Few hours later, three of the survivors died from their injuries.
Probable cause:
The Board determined the probable cause of this accident was the incapacitation, due to a coronary insufficiency, of the pilot-in-command at a critical point during visual, circling approach being conducted under instrument flight conditions. The Board was concerned by the fact that the pilot-in-command has an established medical history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, both of which are disqualifying for the issuance of a first-class medical certificate, and that he deliberately falsified his application for this certificate.
Final Report:

Crash of a Fairchild C-119CF-FA Flying Boxcar at Scott AFB

Date & Time: Apr 17, 1966
Operator:
Registration:
51-8019
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Scott - Scott
MSN:
10762
YOM:
1951
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
A Fairchild C-119CF-FA Flying Boxcar transport plane, 51·8019, had undergone a periodic inspection and was dispatched with a minimum crew for a Functional Check Fight (FCF). In the course of conducting checks at an altitude of 5000 feet, the no. 2 prop did not go into full feather. It continued to windmill. The crew then decided to return to Belleville-Scott AFB, IL (BLV) immediately. The pilot requested a straight-in approach to runway 31. Engine no. 2 was shut down and the plane was configured for landing. The airplane was high on the approach so the crew executed a go around and came in for a second approach. This time the airplane was slightly high and too fast so the pilot again called for a go around. During the transition from a high rate of descent to level flight for go around, the airspeed remained around 130 knots IAS. The captain raised the flaps from 40° to 20° and then reached for the gear up switch. The aircraft struck the runway and slid off the end into a grassy field. A fire that ensued after impact was contained by base crash and rescue crews.
Source: ASN

Crash of a Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor in Taylorsville: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 14, 1966 at 0900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9013K
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
AF-516
YOM:
1953
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
12000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1500.00
Circumstances:
While cruising in poor weather conditions on a cargo flight, the twin engine aircraft struck a hill and crashed near Taylorsville, North Carolina. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed. At the time of the accident, visibility was poor due to low ceiling and fog.
Probable cause:
It was determined the pilot was flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas TC-47K at Litchfield Park

Date & Time: Apr 1, 1966 at 1445 LT
Registration:
N91375
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Goodyear - Litchfield Park
MSN:
16432/33180
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
13470
Captain / Total hours on type:
2854.00
Circumstances:
The crew obtained a special ferry permit and departed Goodyear-Litchfield Airport (five miles away) bound for Litchfield Park. On approach, smoke spread in the cockpit and after a normal touchdown, the crew vacated the runway via a taxiway and stopped the aircraft. While the crew evacuated safely, the airplane was totally destroyed by fire.
Probable cause:
Powerplant-fuel fed engine fire for undetermined reason. Fire pattern indicated started in accessory section.
Final Report:

Crash of a Canadair CL-44D4-2 at Norfolk-Chambers Field NAS

Date & Time: Mar 21, 1966 at 1525 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N453T
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Indianapolis – Norfolk
MSN:
22
YOM:
1961
Flight number:
FT6303
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8667
Captain / Total hours on type:
172.00
Copilot / Total hours on type:
18
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a cargo flight from Indianapolis to Chambers Field NAS in Norfolk. The copilot was in command on final approach to runway 10 and failed to realise that the aircraft position was inappropriate. The airplane touched down with its left main gear and nose gear first. At impact, the left wing was torn off and out of control, the airplane crashed inverted and burst into flames. All six crew members were quickly evacuated and the aircraft was totally destroyed.
Probable cause:
Wrong approach configuration on part of the copilot. Improper level off and inadequate supervision on part of the captain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 680 near Meeker: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 20, 1966 at 2310 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N94T
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
2300
Circumstances:
While cruising by night, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds and heavy rain falls. At cruising altitude, control was lost. The aircraft went into an uncontrolled descent and eventually crashed in an uninhabited area located in the region of Meeker. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot did not receive a correct weather forecast prior to departure. Investigations revealed that he continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions and lost control of the airplane after suffering a spatial disorientation.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 23 off Chicago

Date & Time: Mar 19, 1966 at 1400 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N316M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
23-061
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
14720
Captain / Total hours on type:
233.00
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a positioning flight to Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport. On approach, both engines failed simultaneously. The airplane stalled and eventually crashed into Lake Michigan, few miles short of runway. Both pilots were rescued while the aircraft sank and was lost.
Probable cause:
It was determined that both engine failed due to icing. The crew failed to use the engine/nacelle deicing systems and improperly followed the emergency procedures. Then engine heaters were activated after the engine failure, and restart was attempted with both engine heaters on.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft King Air 90 in Greencastle: 5 killed

Date & Time: Mar 11, 1966 at 1220 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N529N
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
LJ-112
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
11000
Captain / Total hours on type:
34.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude, the crew informed ATC about a double engine failure and was cleared to divert to the nearest airport for an emergency landing. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the pilot-in-command attempted to land in a field when the airplane struck trees and crashed. Four passengers and a pilot were killed while three other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure in flight for undetermined reason. Powerplant/engines would not airstart for unknown reason.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Reef Island: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 10, 1966 at 1714 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CF-MSK
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
B032
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
12719
Captain / Total hours on type:
246.00
Circumstances:
The descent to Reef Island was completed in marginal weather. On approach, the aircraft struck power cables, stalled and crashed into the Portland Canal. The wreckage was located a day later and the pilot was evacuated while all six passengers were killed. The aircraft sank and was lost. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor with snow falls reducing the visibility to half a mile and a wind up to 35 knots.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot continued the descent under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions and misjudged the altitude and clearance. Low ceiling, snow, unfavorable wind conditions and downdrafts/updrafts were considered as contributing factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Travel Air S6000B in Ellensburg: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 4, 1966 at 1510 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N9842
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
1036
YOM:
1929
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
254
Captain / Total hours on type:
5.00
Circumstances:
While cruising in poor weather conditions, control was lost and the airplane went into an uncontrolled descent before crashing in a field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot was flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. Control was lost after an overload failure, causing skin and attachments failure in flight.
Final Report: