Crash of a Cessna 411 in Bloomington

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1986 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3213R
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nashville - Bloomington
MSN:
411-0213
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
889
Captain / Total hours on type:
63.00
Aircraft flight hours:
2262
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 35, the aircraft encountered 'extreme windshift' and was blown about 550 feet right of course with a 30 knot loss of airspeed (from 130 to 100 knots). He stated the aircraft lost about 300 feet, then was blown back on course with an additional loss of altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft touched down hard on the approach end of the runway. During touchdown, the right main tire blew out, the right propeller struck the runway 9 times and the right wing was damaged. The surface wind was reported to be from 240° at 10 knots with no gusts. All four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - crosswind
2. (f) weather condition - tailwind
3. (f) weather condition - windshear
4. (c) weather condition - unfavorable wind
5. (c) compensation for wind conditions - inadequate - pilot in command
6. Flare - not attained
Final Report:

Crash of a Vickers 835 Viscount in Bloomington

Date & Time: Oct 19, 1985 at 1535 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N923RC
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lexington - Bloomington
MSN:
320
YOM:
1959
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
26
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
27000
Captain / Total hours on type:
6000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
11707
Circumstances:
During an ILS to runway 35, the approach was normal until the aircraft was approximately 100 feet above the decision height, except there was condensation on the windshield. Touchdown was hard. A witness said the aircraft landed approximately 1/3 of the way down the 5,200 feet runway. After landing, with the props in 'ground fine,' braking action was ineffective on the wet runway. The aircraft was not equipped with an anti-skid braking system. Subsequently, the aircraft continued off the runway and went down an embankment into a field. Scrub marks on the runway and reverted rubber on the tires indicated the aircraft was hydroplaning. According to the flight manual, 4,500 feet (plus a 10% factor for no anti-skid) would have been required to stop on a dry runway in the prevailing weather conditions, which included a slight tailwind. Two pax, acting as flight attendants (f/a's), assisted the other pax in evacuating. An investigation revealed the f/a's were not properly trained; the pax were not completely briefed before the flight; and the passenger briefing cards were inadequate. The aircraft was on a business flight to transport an entertainment troupe.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: overrun
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - tailwind
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (f) window, flight compartment window/windshield - dirty (foggy)
5. (c) proper touchdown point - exceeded - pilot in command
6. (c) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
7. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
8. (c) missed approach - not performed - pilot in command
9. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - wet
10. (f) aircraft performance, hydroplaning condition - water
----------
Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing - roll
Findings
11. (f) terrain condition - rough/uneven
12. (f) terrain condition - downhill
----------
Occurrence #3: miscellaneous/other
Phase of operation: other
Findings
13. (f) passenger briefing - inadequate - flight attendant
14. (f) inadequate training (emergency procedure(s)) - flight attendant
15. (f) information unclear - company/operator management
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 414A Chancellor in Winchester: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 5, 1984 at 0905 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N59DB
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fort Wayne - Atlanta
MSN:
414A-0260
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
650
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1164
Circumstances:
The aircraft entered an embedded thunderstorm after being advised by artc of several large areas of heavy precipitations in his area and along the vicinity of his flight path. The pilots response was that his aircraft radar showed no build-ups or returns. ATC allowed deviations at pilot's discretion according to the recorded taped conversation. The pilot continued his flight path and was lost on radar shortly thereafter in a descending right turn at 16,800 feet msl. Witnesses saw him exit the bottom of the cloud at about 1,000 feet agl. The wings were seen to separate from the fuselage. Other witnesses saw the fuselage descend inverted, minus the wings, empennage and engines, to impact in a corn field. The wreckage was scattered over an area 1 and 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Witnesses who had observed the aircrafts preparations for departure described it as 'mass confusion' in the cockpit. The aircraft reportedly crept forward six times during an extended 10-15 minute checklist while the engines were running at a high rpm setting on a ramp with other aircraft and people around. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (f) in-flight planning/decision - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (c) flight into known adverse weather - initiated - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - thunderstorm
5. (c) flight advisories - not followed - pilot in command
6. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
7. (c) lack of total experience - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. (c) design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded - pilot in command
9. (f) wing - separation
10. (f) flight control surfaces/attachments - separation
11. (f) engine assembly - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
12. Terrain condition - open field
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226TC Metro II in Terre Haute: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 30, 1984 at 0630 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N63Z
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Terre Haute - Evansville
MSN:
TC-240
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
19189
Captain / Total hours on type:
1501.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10607
Circumstances:
After taking off from runway 23, the aircraft crashed ssw of the airport about 6,300 feet from the departure end of the runway and about 1,800 feet to the left of the runway centerline. Impact occurred while the aircraft was in a steep descent. The wreckage path was scattered along a heading of 035° from the initial impact point. The aircraft was demolished by impact and fire and no preimpact part failure or malfunction was found that would have caused the accident. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. Light condition - dawn
3. Weather condition - rain
4. Weather condition - fog
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C90 King Air in Fort Wayne: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 24, 1983 at 1615 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4TS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fort Wayne - Tulsa
MSN:
LJ-541
YOM:
1972
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
18980
Aircraft flight hours:
3821
Circumstances:
At 1604 est, the aircraft departed Fort Wayne on a ferry flight. IFR conditions prevailed and the pilot had filed an IFR flight plan. While climbing after takeoff, the pilot passed his assigned altitude of 2,500 feet msl and flew to 4,200 feet. Also, he failed to turn to his initial assigned heading of 130°. He had problems contacting departure control as he was not on the assigned frequency. He reported problems with his heading indicator and his 'gyro'. Shortly after his last transmission, the aircraft left 4,200 feet msl and crashed in a steep dive. Before takeoff, the atp pilot reported he had flown all King Air aircraft and was currently flying the Beech 200. A review of his last log book revealed over 2,000 hours in the Beech 200, but showed no time in the Beech C90. A witness that reviewed the aircraft with the pilot before the flight believed he (the pilot) was very familiar with the aircraft systems. During an inspection of the wreckage, no evidence was found to verify a pre-impact malfunction or failure of the aircraft or engines. All instruments were destroyed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: climb
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in Centerton

Date & Time: Aug 16, 1983 at 0725 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N386G
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Indianapolis - Washington
MSN:
421C-0251
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
4138
Captain / Total hours on type:
97.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1484
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that during a climb after takeoff, he engaged the autopilot. While making an entry on a trip sheet, he felt a bump and noted that the aircraft had started to descend. He disengaged the autopilot and the nose pitched down violently. Reducing power had an adverse effect, so he increased power again. He finally leveled the aircraft just prior to impacting in a field at cruise power. The elevator trim tab cables were found to have been crossed between the tab actuator and the pulley in the tail cone. The tab was also found fully trimmed nose down. The aircraft had just been given an annual inspection during which the elevator trim actuator had been removed, inspected and lubricated. This was the first flight since the inspection. All eight occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) flt control system, elevator trim/tab control - incorrect
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company maintenance personnel
3. (f) aircraft handling - uncontrolled - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: other
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 421A Golden Eagle I in Richmond: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 18, 1982 at 0912 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N33KC
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saint Louis – Richmond
MSN:
421A-0026
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2250
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4231
Circumstances:
During a VOR approach to runway 05 when 3 miles away from the airport at minimums ground contact was not made. The pilot stated that she elected to perform a missed approach but before power was applied the copilot raised the flaps. She further stated that she then felt a sinking feeling and put in more power. The aircraft crashed in an open field approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the airport. A pilot was killed while two other occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
3. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)
Findings
4. Missed approach - attempted - pilot in command
5. (c) crew/group coordination - inadequate - pilot in command
6. (c) raising of flaps - improper
7. (c) remedial action - inadequate - pilot in command
8. (c) self-induced pressure - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31T Cheyenne in Madison

Date & Time: Nov 30, 1981 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N15SS
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Peru - Louisville
MSN:
31T-7820068
YOM:
1978
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
7126
Captain / Total hours on type:
1305.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude from Peru to Louisville, both engines failed. The pilot reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in an open field. Upon landing, the undercarriage collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its belly. All five occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Instruments: fuel quantity gauge, erratic,
- Rough/uneven terrain,
- Complete failure of both engines,
- Forced landing off airport on land.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 in Walkerton: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 24, 1981 at 1901 LT
Registration:
N272GD
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Walkerton - Walkerton
MSN:
560-226
YOM:
1955
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2600
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Walketon, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall during initial climb after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E90 King Air off Michigan City: 4 killed

Date & Time: Dec 7, 1980 at 1647 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N2181L
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chicago - Michigan City
MSN:
LW-181
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
8700
Captain / Total hours on type:
1132.00
Circumstances:
While approaching Michigan City on a taxi flight from Chicago, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed into Lake Michigan few miles off shore. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control on final approach due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Flight control surfaces: elevator assembly, attachments,
- Binding,
- Loose, part/fitting, missing
- Improper IFR operation,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility half a mile or less,
- Pivot bolt, P/N AN4-23A found on floor of fuselage,
- Washer and nut missing,
- Destination altimeter setting not obtained.
Final Report: