Crash of a Lockheed 18-56 LodeStar in Okeechobee: 8 killed

Date & Time: May 12, 1972 at 1112 LT
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 18 LodeStar
Operator:
Carolina Aircraft Corporation
Registration:
N211L
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Fort Lauderdale - Raleigh
MSN:
2626
YOM:
1943
Location:
Okeechobee
Florida
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
8
Captain / Total flying hours:
2300
Circumstances:
En route from Fort Lauderdale to Raleigh, North Carolina, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity. Control was lost and the airplane entered a dive during which both wings separated as well as the stabs and tail. The airplane crashed near Okeechobee and disintegrated on impact. All eight occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The crew continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. The following factors were reported:
- Exceeded designed stress limits of aircraft,
- Overload failure,
- Thunderstorm activity,
- Turbulences associated with clouds and thunderstorms,
- Separation in flight,
- Flight and navigation instruments failure (corroded),
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection,
- Gyro instrument had rust and corrosion,
- Both wings, horizontal stabs and vertical stab separated.
Final Report:

Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-40-CU Commando off Manaus

Date & Time: Feb 3, 1969 at 0120 LT
Type of aircraft:
Curtiss C-46 Commando
Operator:
Carolina Aircraft Corporation
Registration:
N5133B
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
San Andrés - Ponta Pelada
MSN:
26988
YOM:
1944
Location:
Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus
Amazonas
Country:
Brazil
Region:
South America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6362
Captain / Total hours on type:
612.00
Circumstances:
While descending to Ponta Pelada AFB in Manaus following a cargo flight from San Andrés Island, Colombia, the crew informed ATC about engine problems and elected to land immediately. Eventually, the crew ditched the aircraft in the Río Negro located few km short of runway. While both pilots were rescued, the airplane sank and was lost.
Probable cause:
The crew was forced to ditch the aircraft due to a fuel exhaustion on final approach to Manaus.
Final Report:

Crash of a Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando in Keflavik

Date & Time: Nov 19, 1966 at 1120 LT
Type of aircraft:
Curtiss C-46 Commando
Operator:
Carolina Aircraft Corporation
Registration:
N68966
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
22492
YOM:
1945
Location:
Keflavik
Southern Peninsula (Suðurnes)
Country:
Iceland
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Prior to takeoff from Keflavik Airport, the crew completed a taxi run at a too high speed of 50 knots to blow snow from the wings. Then the crew started the takeoff procedure but shortly after liftoff, the airplane rolled to the left. Full right rudder and aileron failed to stop the roll, so the power was cut off on the right engine. The aircraft touched down and ran off the left side of the runway. The right main gear ran into soft dirt and folded back. While both crew members were unhurt, the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who failed to remove snow and other contaminants prior to takeoff.
Final Report:
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