Crash of a Gulfstream GV in Cabo San Lucas

Date & Time: Apr 10, 2025 at 1624 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1948Z
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Teterboro – Cabo San Lucas
MSN:
600
YOM:
2000
Flight number:
TFF966
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After landing on runway 29 at Cabo San Lucas Airport, the crew initiated the breaking procedure when the airplane started to deviate to the right. It veered off runway, impacted a ditch, lost its undercarriage and made an almost 180 turn before coming to rest on its belly. All occupants were quickly rescued and there were no injuries.

Crash of a Beechcraft BeechJet 400A in Bentonville

Date & Time: Feb 14, 2024 at 1410 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N95GK
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bentonville – Concord
MSN:
RK-027
YOM:
1991
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On February 14, 2024, about 1410 central standard time, a Beech 400A airplane, N95GK, was substantially damage when it was involved in an accident in Bentonville, Arkansas. The 2 pilots and 3 passengers were not injured and 2 passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. According to preliminary information, while on takeoff from the Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT), Bentonville, Arkansas, the pilot pulled the control yoke back to rotate the airplane and the control yoke was unresponsive. He aborted the takeoff, but insufficient runway remained to stop. The airplane departed the end of runway 18 and came to rest in mud and grass. During the runway overrun, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and visually examined the airplane. The elevator control cable was found separated in the area of the vertical stabilizer.

Crash of a Learjet 45 in Mumbai

Date & Time: Sep 14, 2023 at 1705 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
VT-DBL
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Visakhapatnam – Mumbai
MSN:
45-404
YOM:
2009
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The approach to Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport was completed in poor weather conditions with reduced visibility due to heavy rain falls. On short final, the airplane was in a nose down attitude and rolling to the right when it impacted the runway surface. It went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in a grassy area, broken in two. A small fire was quickly extinguished. All eight occupants were injured.

Crash of a Beechcraft B200 Super king Air in Little Rock: 5 killed

Date & Time: Feb 22, 2023 at 1156 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N55PC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Little Rock - Columbus
MSN:
BB-1170
YOM:
1983
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
10196
Captain / Total hours on type:
195.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10784
Circumstances:
The pilot and four passengers were departing in the multi-engine turbopropeller-powered airplane when the accident occurred. Surveillance video indicated that the takeoff and initial climb appeared normal, however, the airplane than began to lose airspeed and altitude until the airplane entered a left roll and descended toward the ground. Just after the airplane went out of sight, the camera recorded a rising plume of smoke about 1 mile from of the departure end of the runway. Shortly after the plume of smoke appeared, the camera appeared to shake from wind, and recorded blowing debris and heavy rain on the ramp where the camera was located. Just before and during takeoff, the camera showed that the ramp was dry with no rain or noticeable wind. No radio or distress calls were heard from the pilot. Several witnesses saw the airplane’s takeoff and initial climb and they described the airplane as struggling to climb and reported that it entered a steep bank and descent toward the ground shortly after takeoff. The witnesses characterized the weather conditions as stormy and windy, with a weather front passing through the area. The wreckage of the airplane was found amidst heavily wooded terrain adjacent to a factory about 1 mile south of the departure end of runway 18 and a post-impact fire consumed most of the airplane. Detailed examinations of the airframe, engines, flight controls, and propellers did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. Both engines and propellers exhibited evidence of rotation at the time of impact, and several large diameter tree branches at the accident site were found cut consistent with propeller blade strikes, also indicating that the engines were producing power at the time of impact. A performance study indicated that the airplane climbed to a maximum altitude of about 386 ft above ground level before it began to descend. Review of airplane performance from previous takeoffs from the same runway indicated that the airplane’s climb performance during the accident initial climb takeoff was diminished. The reason for the diminished performance could not be determined. Review of weather information indicated that the airplane departed about the time a line of extreme intensity precipitation was approaching, and weather reporting equipment at the airport indicated a wind shift associated with this oncoming line of precipitation. A wind shear alert was active in the control tower advising of 15 to 20 kt gains about 1 mile from the runway. Based on the observation weather data, it is likely that, during the initial climb, the airplane encountered wind with magnitudes between 20 and 30 kts that likely varied in direction about 50°, from a quartering headwind to a crosswind condition. In the minutes following the accident time, this wind continued to shift to a quartering tailwind condition for the departure runway and increased in magnitude to 30 to 40 kts. There was no evidence to suggest that the airplane encountered a microburst or downdraft. Based on available information, the performance study could not conclude why the airplane had diminished performance during the initial climb after takeoff. Although there was diminished performance during the initial climb, it could not be attributed to a airframe, engine, or system anomaly. Although the weather was deteriorating at the time of the accident, and there were wind shifts in the area, a weather study determined that the wind shifts likely contributed to, but did not cause the accident. The pilot’s autopsy was limited by injury but identified severe coronary artery disease. Within the limits of the autopsy, there was no evidence that a medical event contributed to the accident. The pilot’s toxicology testing detected a low level of ethanol in cavity blood only; however, the small amount of ethanol may have been produced postmortem. It is unlikely that the effects of ethanol contributed to the accident.
Probable cause:
The loss of control during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the sudden wind shifts during the initial climb.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 340A on Mt Mayon: 4 killed

Date & Time: Feb 18, 2023 at 0650 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
RP-C2080
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Legazpi - Manila
MSN:
340A-0917
YOM:
1979
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The flight was bound for Manila with one pilot, one aircraft mechanic, and two passengers on board. The aircraft was reported missing after it took off from Bicol International Airport (RPLK) at Daraga, Albay. The aircraft is being operated by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and was on a routine general aviation flight. All aircraft occupants were fatally injured in this accident. The pilot submitted a VFR to IRF flight plan that will utilize standard departure on RWY 05 of RPLK. According to the flight plan, it will be transitioning to IFR and intercepting NAGA VOR. It will further continue W9 airway and proceed to ALABAT for the arrival procedure in Manila. The flight departed from RWY 05, made a procedural right upwind turn, and crossed the final approach of RWY 05. At 0647LT, ATC established contact with the aircraft while passing 2,600 ft. The ATC inquired if the flight had already passed Camalig by-pass, and the pilot responded "We're passing Camalig by-pass now". The pilot was instructed by ATC to continue climbing and report twenty nautical miles out of RPLK, which was acknowledged by the pilot. At 0650LT, no position report was received from the aircraft. The ATC initiated contact with the aircraft several times, but no response was received. The duty ATC contacted the Manila Area Control Center (MACC) for any signatures of the aircraft that they might have picked up. The MACC informed the ATC that there was an initial signature contact that later disappeared on the radar monitor. At about 0900LT, the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordinating Center (PARCC) elevated the alert to a DETRESFA on the missing aircraft. On the next day, February 19, 2023, the operator launched their own search operation using an AW139 helicopter, which was able to locate the missing aircraft at about 6,300 feet on the south-west slope of Mt Mayon Volcano with grid coordinates of 13°14'56.45 N and 123°40'57.79 E. An aerial reconnaissance by CAAP-AAIIB investigators and EDC using a helicopter was conducted on 20 February 2023. The general impact area shows the scattered wreckage of aircraft debris and signs of post-impact fire. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot failed to follow the flight plan and made an unauthorized deviation. The pilot lack of situational awareness was considered as a contributing factor.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Beatrice

Date & Time: Feb 13, 2023
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
Z-DAL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
31-218
YOM:
1968
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot encountered an unexpected situation and elected to make an emergency landing in an open muddy field. He lowered the landing gear and upon touchdown, the airplane overturned and came to rest upside down. All five occupants were rescued and the airplane was destroyed.
Crew:
Zvikomborero Nyamakura, pilot,
Passengers:
Salfina Karimazondo, Murowa Diamonds’ security officer,
Obey Mabvundwi, constable of CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit,
Petros Chaguruka, Fawcett's guard,
Fredrick Maroyi, Fawcett's guard.

Crash of a Cessna 525B Citation CJ3 in Pasco

Date & Time: Sep 20, 2022 at 0709 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N528DV
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Chehalis - Pasco
MSN:
525B-0329
YOM:
2009
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9800
Captain / Total hours on type:
2150.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3252
Circumstances:
After an uneventful flight, a jet airplane on a business flight was landing at its destination. The pilot reported to the tower controller that the airport was in sight and requested to land. The pilot further reported that, while on left base, he started to lower the flaps and extended the gear handle. He did not recall confirming whether the gear was down and locked but reported that there were no landing caution annunciations or aural warnings. Before making contact with the runway, the pilot noticed that the airplane floated longer than expected and upon touchdown realized that the landing gear was not extended. The airplane skidded down the runway and came to a stop just past the departure end of the runway. The pilot secured the engines and assisted the passengers out of the airplane. During the evacuation, the pilot reported that the airplane was on fire near the right engine. Shortly thereafter, the airplane was engulfed in flames. When the airplane was raised for recovery, all three-landing gear were free from their uplocks and dropped down to the extended position. Post accident examination confirmed the main landing gear uplocks were in the gear release (unlocked) position. In addition, the left main landing gear door was also partially extended on the airplane after it came to rest. The landing gear handle was observed in the down (extended) position during the examination. Accounting for the position of the landing gear uplocks, the landing gear door upon landing, and the witnesses’ observation of the airplane not having its landing gear extended, it is likely that the pilot positioned the landing gear handle to the down (extended) position just before or during landing. Nevertheless, the pilot failed to ensure that the landing gear was down and locked before landing. Examination of the landing gear handle and landing gear circuit cards revealed no anomalies. A review of the ADS-B data revealed that the airplane’s airspeed was fast on the approach and landing. The airplane’s ground speed was about 143 knots as it passed over the runway threshold, which was above the airspeed that the landing gear not extended warning system would activate (130 knots). Additionally, the airplane’s flaps were likely configured in the takeoff/approach setting (15°), which would not activate the landing gear not extended warning system. Stabilized approach criteria for airspeed and configuration were not maintained on the approach and landing.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to ensure the landing gear was extended before landing. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to fly a stabilized approach, and his configuration of the airplane that prevented activation of the landing gear not extended warning system on final approach.
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 75 in Morristown

Date & Time: Apr 2, 2022 at 1119 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N877W
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Atlanta – Morristown
MSN:
45-496
YOM:
2014
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8834
Captain / Total hours on type:
1599.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
9582
Copilot / Total hours on type:
5146
Aircraft flight hours:
3290
Circumstances:
The flight crew of the jet obtained weather information for the destination airport, which indicated quartering tailwind conditions for the runway in use at the time, with wind at 3 knots gusting to 16 knots. The crew determined the wind to be within limitations. The cockpit voice recorder transcript and airport surveillance video indicated that the landing approach was normal. The captain, who was the pilot flying, stated that, after touchdown, the thrust reversers were deployed and the airplane turned “sharply to the right.” He reported that remedial control inputs were ineffective in maintaining directional control. Airport surveillance video footage of the landing roll and accident sequence showed that, about 9 seconds into the landing roll, the airplane turned sharply to its right. The airplane departed the runway, its left wingtip struck the ground, the entire wing structure (left wing/right wing/wingbox) separated from the airplane as one assembly, and the fuselage continued a short distance before it came to rest upright. The thrust reversers on each engine were deployed and their extended positions were about equal. A windsock could be seen in the surveillance video footage nearly parallel to the ground, indicating nearly a direct crosswind to the landing runway that would have been towards the airplane’s right side. Recorded wind shortly after the accident was consistent with a 90° right crosswind for the landing runway at 6 knots with gusts to 14 knots. A detailed examination of the airplane and system components revealed that all flight control, steering, and braking systems and their actuator components operated as designed. Although the copilot's yaw force sensor did not meet manufacturer acceptance testing during post accident examination, this would not have affected the directional controllability of the airplane. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot’s compensation for the crosswind conditions was inadequate, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.
Probable cause:
The captain’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft B250GT Super King Air in Piracicaba: 7 killed

Date & Time: Sep 14, 2021 at 0840 LT
Registration:
PS-CSM
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
BY-364
YOM:
2019
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Piracicaba Airport Runway 35, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft entered a right turn, descended to the ground and crashed in a eucalyptus forest located about 1,5 km north of the airport. The aircraft exploded on impact and was totally destroyed. All seven occupants were killed among them the Brazilian businessman Celso Silveira Mello Filho aged 73 who was travelling with his wife and three kids.
Crew:
Celso Elias Carloni, pilot,
Giovani Dedini Gulo, copilot.
Passengers:
Celso Silveira Mello Filho,
Maria Luiza Meneghel,
Celso Meneghel Silveira Mello,
Camila Meneghel Silveira Mello Zanforlin,
Fernando Meneghel Silveira Mello.

Crash of a Learjet 25B in Toluca

Date & Time: Apr 18, 2021 at 1527 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
XB-PIZ
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cancún - Toluca
MSN:
25-193
YOM:
1975
Location:
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful flight from Cancún, the crew encountered technical problems with the undercarriage while on approach to Toluca-Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos. Decision was taken to complete a belly landing on runway 15/33. The airplane slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest, bursting into flames. All 9 occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.