Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Anchorage - Soldotna

MSN:

LD-231

YOM:

1965

Flight number:

NPA1802

Location:

Soldotna

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

7288

Captain / Total hours on type:

2985.00

Aircraft flight hours:

12106

Circumstances:

During arrival, the crew of NP flight 1802 contacted the company weather observer at Soldotna who advised the weather was: wind calm, ceiling 600 to 800 feet, visibility 8 to 10 miles, no precipitations. They made an NDB approach, but missed the approach and requested another approach. Approximately one minute later, the crew reported the aircraft had accumulated a heavy load of ice. They could have diverted nearby to Kenai for an ILS approach, but elected to make a VOR approach back to Soldotna. While being vectored, they made two more checks with the weather observer who advised the weather had deteriorated to below minimums and recommended diverting, but the crew did not acknowledge. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees on high terrain approximately 1.5 mile southeast of the airport. There was evidence the aircraft was circling when it crashed. Circling was not authorized south of runway 07/25. Investigations revealed recurring problems with the anti-ice system, its 'single' mode was inoperative, two de-ice boots were missing from prop blades. Weather station listed only one lighted marker (1/4 mile away) for visibility reference; minimum landing visibility was one mile; ceilometer was inoperative. No FAA inspection of weather station in 2 years. Icing forecasted. All nine occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) anti-ice/deice system - inadequate
2. (f) maintenance - inadequate - company maintenance personnel
3. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
4. (f) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed - pilot in command
5. (f) other airport/runway maintenance - not maintained - company/operator management
6. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
7. (f) meteorological service - inadequate - company/operator management
8. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
9. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
10. (f) weather condition - fog
11. (f) weather condition - rain
12. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
13. (f) flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
14. (f) wing - ice
15. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
16. Missed approach - initiated - pilot in command
17. (f) not performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
18. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
19. (c) missed approach - improper - pilot in command
20. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
21. (c) minimum descent altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
22. (f) object - tree(s)

Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft A100 King Air in Cedarville: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 2147 LT

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft 100 King Air

Operator:

Lisa Flite Corporation

Registration:

N72BS

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Positioning

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Ridgeland – Millville

MSN:

B-113

YOM:

1972

Location:

Millville

New Jersey

Country:

Region:

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

17300

Captain / Total hours on type:

4000.00

Circumstances:

The two atp rated pilots were en route back to their home base airport flying on an IFR flight plan in actual instrument weather conditions. Communications with ATC controllers was normal. During a night localizer approach into Millville municipal airport, an ATC specialist observed the aircraft passing through the localizer track and issued a vector for re-interception. The aircraft was subsequently observed tracking inbound on course. The pilot reported crossing the om. This was the last transmission heard from the pilot and was routine. The aircraft crashed into a wooded area just beyond the om and was destroyed in a post impact fire. Post accident examination of the wreckage revealed evidence to indicate the left engine was producing less power than the right engine at impact. Both occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
7. Engine assembly - failure,partial
8. (c) engine assembly - undetermined

Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Whitefield: 4 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 2035 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Air Trends

Registration:

N27522

Flight Phase:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Burlington - Whitefield

MSN:

31-7852040

YOM:

1978

Location:

Whitefield

New Hampshire

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

1900

Circumstances:

The aircraft crashed after executing a missed approach at Whitefield during IMC weather. The aircraft was seen at 300-400 feet agl during some part of the maneuvering near the airport. The aircraft seemed to be heading for the airport when last seen by ground observers. The only indication of trouble was the low altitude of flight. The aircraft crashed at the 2,800 feet level of twin mountain on a heading of 120° at 2035 hours. It was last seen about 2015 hours. No fuel was found in the engine fuel dividers or fuel lines. The inboard tanks were more than half full of fuel. Normal operation calls for takeoff, climb and descent on the inboard tanks. The outboard tanks are used for non-maneuvering flight during cruise. A passenger was seriously injured while four other occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: missed approach (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) fluid, fuel - starvation
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) fuel tank selector position - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown

Final Report:

Crash of a Tupolev TU-134AK in Minsk: 58 killed

Date & Time: Feb 1, 1985 at 0801 LT

Type of aircraft:

Tupolev TU-134

Operator:

Registration:

CCCP-65910

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Minsk - Leningrad

MSN:

63971

YOM:

1982

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

685

Aircraft flight cycles:

448

Circumstances:

Six seconds after takeoff from runway 13 at Minsk-2 Airport, while climbing to a height of 35 meters and a speed of 325 km/h, the left engine lost power and failed. The crew continued to climb to a height of 220 meters, still at a speed of 325 km/h, when the right engine lost power and failed. The pilot-in-command attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 10,100 meters from the airport, bursting into flames. The wreckage was found 3 hours and 15 minutes later. 22 people were injured while 58 others were killed, among them three crew members.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the aircraft remained parked on the apron at Minsk-2 Airport for about a week prior to the flight and has not been deiced prior to takeoff. During initial climb, some ice detached from both wings and entered both engines, causing them to flame out.

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Huntington

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985 at 2045 LT

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft E18

Operator:

Hogan Air

Registration:

N95HA

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Huntington-Tri-State-Milton J. Ferguson

Schedule:

Huntington - Louisville

MSN:

BA-148

YOM:

1956

Location:

West Virginia

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

7022

Captain / Total hours on type:

3000.00

Aircraft flight hours:

5877

Circumstances:

3-4 inch snow accumulation on aircraft prior to flight. Pilot said he swept snow off except an area he could not reach. Heavy snowfall, wet snow reported as aircraft was prepared for departure, during runup, taxi and takeoff. Pilot advised by tower that visibility was 1/8 mile with fog and snow. Published takeoff minimum for far 135 opn was 1/2 mile. After riking snowplow located 150 feet left of runway, aircraft continued over embankment and came to rest inverted. Ice and snow fnd on upper tail surface. Elevator trim indicated full nose down. Aileron trim ind left bank. Witnesses said engines sounded normal, landing lights on, 600 feet visibility from position of snowplow. Pilot said 35 inches map when descending. Map increased with additional throttle. No engine roughness.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - snow
4. (c) ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (f) proper assistance - not obtained - pilot in command
6. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
7. (f) ifr procedure - disregarded - pilot in command
8. Terrain condition - snow covered
9. Airspeed(vs) - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
10. Object - vehicle

Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 414 Chancellor in Coatesville: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985 at 1310 LT

Type of aircraft:

Cessna 414 Chancellor

Operator:

Santa Fe Associates

Registration:

N1994G

Flight Phase:

Executive/Corporate/Business

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Coatesville-Chester County-G. O. Carlson

Schedule:

Latrobe - Coatesville

MSN:

414-0601

YOM:

1975

Location:

Pennsylvania

Country:

Region:

Swearingen SA227 Metro III

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

2200

Captain / Total hours on type:

49.00

Aircraft flight hours:

3695

Circumstances:

Aircraft was on its runway 29 approach when it collided with ground one mile from the airport. A witness saw he aircraft fly over the airport to the west between 500 to 1,500 feet. Witnesses near the accident site saw the aircraft making abrupt maneuvers at low altitude prior to the accident. Engine sounds was described as 'racing', 'uneven', and 'loud'. Weather condition was described as fog, low ceiling, and light rain. Another pilot in same type aircraft was unable to land due to weather. Examination of the aircraft did not disclosed evidence of malfunction. Flight approach navaid facilities flight checked to be operational. There was no evidence of pilot physical impairment or incapacitation. The aircraft collided with the ground in a near vertical attitude. All four occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (c) aircraft handling - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. (c) airspeed - not maintained - pilot in command
7. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command

Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA227AT Merlin III in London

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985 at 0547 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N568UP

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

London-Corbin-Magee Field

Schedule:

Louisville - London

MSN:

AT-568

YOM:

1983

Location:

Kentucky

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

5688

Captain / Total hours on type:

307.00

Aircraft flight hours:

783

Circumstances:

During arrival, at 0540:31, the captain was cleared for an rnav runway 05 approach and was told to contact London FSS on 121.6 mhz, 'now.' However, he did not make the radio call until approximately 3 minutes later. The aircraft broke out of the weather at about 1,000 feet and 1 mile from the airport (before the radio call). At that time, the runway lights were not on. The captain then advised the FSS to turn on the runway lights and he made a left pattern to circle back and land. During the next approach, the aircraft was high and fast on final approach and touched down long. The 1st officer recommended that the captain make a go-around, but the captain elected to continue the landing. When the captain realized that he would not be able to stop on the remaining runway, he retracted the gear. The aircraft then slid off the end of the runway, went over an embankment, became airborne for about 140 feet, then impacted in a large ravine area. The weight manifest was found to be in error. After allowing for a 500 lb fuel burnoff, the landing weight was estimated to be 14,668 lbs. The max gross weight limit was 14,500 lbs. All three occupants were injured.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: miscellaneous/other
Phase of operation: approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) aircraft weight and balance - exceeded
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - rain
5. (f) weather condition - dark night
6. (f) radio communications - delayed - pilot in command
7. (f) airport facilities, runway edge lights - not operating
8. Missed approach
----------
Occurrence #2: overrun
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
9. Planned approach - initiated
10. (c) proper touchdown point - not attained - pilot in command
11. (c) airspeed - excessive - pilot in command
12. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - wet
13. (c) go-around - not performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: gear collapsed
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
14. Gear retraction - intentional - pilot in command
15. (f) terrain condition - rough/uneven

Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-4 in Cockburn Harbour

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-4

Operator:

BIF Air

Registration:

N88939

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

All Turks and Caicos Islands

MSN:

18397

YOM:

1944

Location:

Cockburn Harbour

Country:

Turks and Caicos Islands

Region:

Central America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

On final approach to Cockburn Harbour Airport runway 29, the four engine struck the ground and crashed, bursting into flames. There were no casualties.

Crash of a Rockwell Gulfstream 695 Jetprop 980 in Paderborn-Lippstadt: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 31, 1985

Type of aircraft:

Rockwell Gulfstream 695 Jetprop 980

Operator:

Registration:

D-IBAR

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Private

Survivors:

Site: