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

Date & Time: Aug 31, 1977 at 0403 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
Operator:
Johnston Airways
Registration:
N125TF
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Cleveland - Detroit
MSN:
AF-351
YOM:
1953
Location:
Detroit-Willow Run (Ypsilanti)
Michigan
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
6331
Captain / Total hours on type:
851.00
Circumstances:
On final approach by night to Detroit-Willow Run (Ypsilanti) Airport, the pilot encountered foggy conditions. He failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck the ground and crashed few miles short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fog,
- Visibility half a mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18S in Covington

Date & Time: Feb 14, 1977 at 2326 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft D18
Operator:
Johnston Airways
Registration:
N321D
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Covington - Columbus
MSN:
A-413
YOM:
1948
Location:
Covington
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
14136
Captain / Total hours on type:
6233.00
Circumstances:
On a slush covered runway, the pilot completed a premature liftoff. After rotation, the airplane stalled during initial climb and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb after the pilot completed a premature liftoff and failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Physical impairment,
- Ice/slush on runway,
- Cargo net found underneath mail,
- Pilot no feeling well.
Final Report:
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