Flight

While enroute to home base after delivery of revenue cargo, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power in both engines due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed emergency procedures and set the aircraft up for a forced landing in a grassy field on the edge of a lake. The aircraft initially impacted a tree and the rocky berm of the shoreline. The contact with the berm caused the landing gear to break off, the aircraft swerved around and skidded backwards before coming to a rest about 150 feet from the lakeshore. Post accident investigation revealed less than 2 gallons of fuel in each wing tank.

While cruising above freezing level at 12,000 feet, the flight was cleared to descend and maintain 9,000 feet. About 1-1/2 minute later, the flight declared a mayday (emergency). Radio and radar contacts were lost and the aircraft crashed in a near vertical descent. Radar data showed that after starting a descent, the aircraft entered a left/descending maneuver. Subsequently, the left outboard wing panel and both engines separated in flight. The last transponder reply was at 2,800 feet. An exam revealed the left wing panel had separated from positive overload. No fatigue or pre-existing crack was found on any fracture area. Also, damage was found on the left engine's inboard cowling that matched damage on the vertical and right horizontal stabilizers; however, sequence of cowling separation was not verified. The separated wing panel and parts of the engine cowling were found about 3/4 mile from the main wreckage. An NTSB trajectory study indicated an inflight separation occurred at an altitude of approximately 5,600 feet as aircraft was heading southeast in a 50 to 70° dive. Elevation trim indicator was found with a full nose up indication. Both pilots were instrument rated. All eight occupants were killed.

A Cessna 441 operated by the US Customs Services collided with terrain while on an authorized night tactical flight. The copilot did not meet the currency standards as required by USCS and was not qualified in the aircraft. The flight originated during the daylight hours and continued to astronomical twilight. The pilots did not dark adapt previous to the night conditions. Dark adaption was impeded by flight through various light conditions created by terrain and ambient light levels. With night vision impeded the pilot would not have been able to distinguish relief of the terrain. The acft collided with a small ridge that abruptly rose 300 feet. Both occupants were killed.

Crashed in unknown circumstances somewhere in November 1987 (exact date unknown). Crew fate unknown.

While in cruising altitude on a flight from Blantyre to Lilongwe, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Out of control, it crashed in Ulongwé, killing all 10 occupants.

The pilot was hired to ferry an Islander from El Paso, TX to Santa Paula, CA. He represented himself to the ferry company as being an experienced Islander pilot. No previous Islander flight time was found in the pilot's logbook. It was the pilot's 40th birthday and he was anxious to complete the flight. He neither filed flight plans nor had current charts. Approaching the Chiriaco summit area along I-10 the terrain rose and a ground-based witness reported clouds were low. The pilot continued the westbound flight. Evidence indicated an overstressed aircraft and an in-flight breakup. Both occupants were killed.

The crew was completing a spraying mission on behalf of the Zarya State Farm. While flying at a height of 18-20 meters and at a speed of 160 km/h, the aircraft entered a right turn, lost altitude, struck tree tops and power cables then crashed onto a house. Both pilots were killed while no one on the ground was hurt.

While cruising on a scheduled cargo flight in IMC the pilot encountered moderate to severe turbulence near an area where weather cells could have been observed on the aircraft's radar. The pilot reversed course, declared an emergency and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, collided with terrain and was destroyed. The recently hired pilot had completed the FAA approved ground and flight training program in the aircraft. During the pilot's recent training, neither the FAA nor the operator required the pilot to demonstrate proficiency in unusual attitude recoveries or have knowledge in the operation of the aircraft's weather radar. Company employees, which included the pilot's husband, stated that the pilot had no previous experience with weather radar and did not understand the weather radar installed in this aircraft. They further stated that the pilot appeared to be tired. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

The aircraft crashed on the side of a mountain during visual meteorological conditions. The pilot had been in voice and radar contact with air traffic control until the aircraft disappeared from radar. The pilot reported severe turbulence and a rough running engine to ATC as he was nearing a mountain pass. The pilot stated that he thought the rough running engine was due to fuel contamination. A witness reported that the pilot had said the fuel had contained a lot of water. The pilot reported to ATC that he had just lost the engine and he was attempting to make it through a saddle. A sigmet had been issued for that region and the severe turbulence was confirmed by another pilot. Engine teardown revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure/malfunction.

The crew departed Solenzara AFB on a training mission. The single engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances by the Asinao Pass, about 16 km southwest of the Solenzara Airbase. All three occupants were killed.