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Crash of a Piper PA-31P-425 Pressurized Navajo in Lexington: 5 killed

Date & Time: Oct 3, 1978 at 2145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Leisure Lodges
Registration:
N338J
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Lexington - Fort Smith
MSN:
31P-051
YOM:
1971
Location:
Lexington-Blue Grass
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
11226
Circumstances:
Following a night takeoff from Lexington-Blue Grass Airport, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It struck tree tops, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees and subsequent crash during climb following an engine failure caused by a crankshaft failure. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Material failure,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Rain,
- Fog,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Visibility less than a mile,
- Both propeller blade angles found at 30° settings,
- Flaps found extended.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Hawk Commander 681 in Greenup: 3 killed

Date & Time: Mar 8, 1978 at 1008 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Turbo Commander 680/681
Operator:
Spad Aviation
Registration:
N5NP
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Milwaukee – Manchester – Huntington
MSN:
680-6042
YOM:
1970
Location:
Greenup
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
9154
Captain / Total hours on type:
1395.00
Circumstances:
En route, the crew encountered engine problems and was cleared to divert to Ashland Airport. While descending in marginal weather conditions (low ceiling, fog and icing conditions), the crew lost control of the airplane that crashed in a field located in Greenup, west of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were below minimums.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach following a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain,
- Partial loss of power on one engine,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Visibility half a mile or less,
- Weather conditions below minimums.
Final Report:

Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-30 Marquise in Hawesville

Date & Time: Jan 19, 1978 at 0935 LT
Type of aircraft:
Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise
Operator:
Registration:
N115S
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Carrollton - Hawesville
MSN:
518
YOM:
1970
Location:
Hawesville-Hancock County-Ron Lewis Field
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5600
Captain / Total hours on type:
598.00
Circumstances:
On final approach, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed short of runway. All seven occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Stall on final approach after the crew misjudged distance and altitude and failed to maintain flying speed.
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:

Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) in Morganfield: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1976 at 1326 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600)
Operator:
Bill Hames Shows
Registration:
N7549S
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Morganfield - Morganfield
MSN:
60-0180-079
Location:
Morganfield
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
17000
Captain / Total hours on type:
50.00
Circumstances:
Just after takeoff from Morganfield, while climbing, the airplane stalled and crashed in a field. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants have been killed. The crew was completing a local test flight after a paraplegic rudder control device was installed on the left rudder pedal.
Probable cause:
Stall after the pilot failed to follow approved procedures. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Simulated conditions,
- Unapproved modification,
- Interference with flight controls,
- Right engine magneto switch in OFF position.
Final Report:

Crash of a Stinson V-77 Reliant in Cave City

Date & Time: Aug 2, 1975 at 1530 LT
Type of aircraft:
Stinson SR-10 Reliant
Operator:
William B. Archer
Registration:
N9360H
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Bowling Green – Chicago
MSN:
77-350
Location:
Cave City
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
23880
Captain / Total hours on type:
26.00
Circumstances:
En route to Chicago, the pilot encountered engine problems. He elected to make an emergency landing when the aircraft struck a 20 feet deep gully, got airborne again, hit trees and crashed. Both occupants were slightly injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in flight after the propeller seal loosened. Oil exhaustion - engine lubrication system. Poor, inadequate design.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500S off South Portsmouth: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 21, 1975 at 1508 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Shrike Commander 500
Operator:
Aero Aviation
Registration:
N9179N
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Columbus - Huntington
MSN:
500-3126
YOM:
1972
Location:
South Portsmouth
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:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2089
Circumstances:
En route from Columbus to Huntington, the pilot informed ATC about an engine failure and attempted to divert to the nearest airport. Control was lost and the airplane crashed in the Ohio River off South Portsmouth, Kentucky. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot's body was not recovered.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reason. The pilot was observed to exit the aircraft and to swim toward shore. He disappeared and his body was never recovered.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FP in Cynthiana: 3 killed

Date & Time: Feb 5, 1974 at 0705 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Grand Commander 680
Operator:
Court Insurance Company
Registration:
N46832
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Cincinnati - Fort Lauderdale
MSN:
680-3177-142
YOM:
1964
Location:
Cynthiana
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1400
Circumstances:
While cruising by night at an altitude of 16,000 feet, the twin engine airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in a near vertical attitude in a field located in Cynthiana. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, it was reported that control was lost shortly after the pilot informed ATC he was climbing from FL150 to FL170.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft G18S in Elkton: 11 killed

Date & Time: Nov 17, 1972 at 2320 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft G18S
Operator:
Metro Air System
Registration:
N2700S
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Hopkinsville - Lexington
MSN:
BA-567
YOM:
1960
Location:
Elkton
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
11
Captain / Total flying hours:
22145
Captain / Total hours on type:
476.00
Circumstances:
While cruising by night in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, spiraled to the ground and crashed in an open field located near Elkton. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 11 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent following an inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. The following factors were reported:
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Failure to provide adequate directives, manual and equipment on part of the personnel,
- Icing conditions, including sleet and freezing rain,
- Approximately 798 pounds over gross weight,
- CofG was 2,72 inches aft rear limit.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell 1121 Jet Commander in Lexington: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 14, 1970 at 1917 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell 1121 Jet Commander
Operator:
Registration:
N100RC
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Positioning
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Columbus – Lexington
MSN:
1121-060
YOM:
1966
Location:
Lexington-Blue Grass
Kentucky
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
5859
Captain / Total hours on type:
2070.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Lexington-Blue Grass Airport by night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In rain falls, the airplane was observed in a steep right bank descending then rolled to opposite direction before impact. The airplane was destroyed and both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control after the pilot-in-command suffered a spatial disorientation during a night approach in marginal weather conditions. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling and rain.
Final Report:
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