Great Western Airlines

During the takeoff roll at Cedar Rapids Airport, the crew lost control of the aircraft that ground looped, swerved and crashed in flames. Both pilots were killed.

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a night cargo flight from Cedar Rapids to Springfield with an intermediate stop in Memphis. Cleared by ATC to align on runway for takeoff, the pilot increased engine power and entered the runway when the aircraft was struck by a Federal Express (FedEx) Dassault Falcon 20 registered N36FE that just landed on the same runway. The right wing of the Falcon struck the Beechcraft that caught fire instantly. The crew of the Falcon 20 was able to stop normally and the aircraft was slightly damaged. The Beech 18 was destroyed by fire and its pilot evacuated with minor injuries.

On final approach to Windsor Locks-Bradley Airport, the left engine lost power and the right engine failed. The crew attempted an emergency landing when the airplane struck trees and crashed in flames. Both occupants were slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a cargo flight from Riverton to Denver with an intermediate stop in Cheyenne. After touchdown on a wet/slushy runway, the pilot realized it was difficult to decelerate properly and decided to make a go-around. This decision was taken too late so the airplane departed far down the runway. After liftoff, the twin engine airplane struck an electric pole and several trees before crashing in a small lake. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

En route on a night cargo flight from Tulsa to Kansas City, the pilot contacted ATC and declared an emergency after the right engine failed in flight. He reduced his altitude in an attempt to make an emergency landing when the left engine lost power. The aircraft eventually hit trees and crashed in flames in a prairie. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.