Laredo | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

While in cruising altitude over Kansas, the twin engine airplane entered a dive and crashed in a huge explosion in an open field located in Beloit, Kansas. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Uncontrolled descent following improper in-flight decisions or planning. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Physical impairment,
- Alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment,
- Hypoxia,
- The aircraft crashed 500 NM beyond planned destination,
- Blood alcohol level 1,95‰.

Final Report:

Crash of a Howard Super Ventura in Austin

Date & Time: Aug 3, 1972 at 0923 LT

Type of aircraft:

Howard Super Ventura (Howard 500)

Operator:

Beta Leasing

Registration:

N446DD

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Executive/Corporate/Business

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Laredo - Dallas

MSN:

5696

YOM:

1943

Location:

Austin-Robert Mueller

Texas

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

20470

Captain / Total hours on type:

308.00

Circumstances:

En route from Laredo to Dallas, one of the engine lost power due to oil exhaustion. The pilot was cleared to divert to Austin-Robert Mueller Airport but following a wrong approach configuration, the aircraft was not properly aligned. After touchdown on a wet runway, the airplane suffered hydroplaning then veered off runway and came to rest. All three occupants were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

In-flight engine failure or malfunction. The following factors were reported:
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection,
- Oil exhaustion, engine lubrication system,
- Improper IFR operation,
- Failed to initiate a go-around,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Wet runway,
- Rain,
- Poorly planned approach,
- Not aligned with runway,
- Hydroplaning on wet runway,
- Partial loss of power on one engine,
- Cause of oil exhaustion not determined,
- Annual maintenance check performed the day before the accident,
- Other runway available,
- Wrong switch used for wipers.

Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-75-DL in Melchor Ocampo: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 21, 1970

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Aircraft Charters

Registration:

N163J

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Laredo - Fresnillo

MSN:

19402

YOM:

1944

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Laredo to Fresnillo, carrying a load of bottle of mercury. En route, the airplane went out of control and crashed in unknown circumstances near Melchor Ocampo. Both pilots were killed. According to the Mexican Authorities, the flight was illegal.

Final Report:

Crash of a Lockheed AT-18-LO Hudson in Laredo: 8 killed

Date & Time: Jun 17, 1943

Type of aircraft:

Lockheed L-414 Hudson

Operator:

Registration:

42-55600

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

414-7322

YOM:

1943

Location:

Laredo

Texas

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances 3 km north of Laredo Airport. All eight occupants were killed.
Crew:
2nd Lt Frank W. McLin, pilot,
2nd Lt Norbert P. Woss, pilot.
Passengers:
Sgt Harold J. Ree,
Cpl George E. Fortado,
Cpl James W. Foust,
Pfc Julius Foreman,
Pfc Edward A. Forrest,
Pvt Bobby E. McGee.

Crash of a Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator near Laredo

Date & Time: May 16, 1943

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator

Operator:

Registration:

41-21077

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

MSN:

1092

YOM:

1941

Location:

Laredo

Texas

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

While performing a training exercise, the crew encountered difficulties in flight when the airplane caught fire for unknown reasons. All four crew members bailed out and abandoned the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed 16 km northwest of Laredo. All crew parachuted to safety.

Probable cause:

In-flight fire of unknown origin.