Crash of a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III in McCook: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 26, 1994 at 1515 LT
Registration:
N5468G
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Denver - Columbus
MSN:
421C-0215
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2550
Captain / Total hours on type:
66.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5837
Circumstances:
The part 135 on-demand air taxi flight departed Denver, Colorado, with a destination of Columbus, Nebraska. Weather forecasts were for icing conditions along the entire route of flight. While en route, ATC advised the pilot of reported icing ahead. The pilot was cleared to climb to 19,000 feet to get on top of the clouds. The pilot reported 'some alternator problems,' and requested to divert to North Platte, Nebraska. He then elected to divert to McCook, Nebraska, due to the weather at North Platte. ATC lost communication with the pilot during the diversion. Witnesses reported the airplane circled the McCook Airport twice. According to them, the airplane entered a bank of about 45°, then stalled. Subsequently, it traveled about 190 feet through a stand of trees before coming to rest. Witnesses reported the airplane was covered with ice. One-half inch of mixed ice was found on a piece of windshield. Both alternators had one phase in the stator winding shorted.
Probable cause:
Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and the accumulation of airframe ice, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were: partial failure of both alternators, which resulted in a subsequent electrical system failure and an inoperative anti-ice/de-ice system, adverse weather (icing) conditions, and airframe (wing) ice.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 690A in Norfolk: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 30, 1993 at 1700 LT
Registration:
N707BP
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Mountain Home - Norfolk
MSN:
690-11326
YOM:
1976
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
17770
Captain / Total hours on type:
414.00
Circumstances:
The Rockwell 690A, N707BP, was flying a straight-in entry to a downwind leg for runway 19 at the non-controlled airport. The only radio call heard from the Rockwell was a request for an airport advisory when it was about 20 miles southeast. The Piper PA-28R, N33056, had departed from runway 19. No radio calls were heard from the Piper. Witnesses observed the Rockwell heading north and the Piper heading east moments before the collision. The witnesses stated the Piper pitched up and banked steeply moments before the collision. The collision occurred approximately 2 miles east-southeast of the airport. On-scene investigation showed that the Piper's left main landing gear tire had made an imprint on the bottom of the Rockwell's outboard left wing. Paint color from the Rockwell had transferred to the Piper's left wing skin. All six people in both aircraft were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilots of the Rockwell 690A, N707BP, and the Piper PA28R, N33056, to see and avoid each other. A factor which contributed to the accident was the failure of both pilot's to follow recommended communication procedures contained in the airman's information manual for operating at an airport without an operating control tower.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft C99 Airliner near Shelton: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 28, 1993 at 2350 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N115GP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Grand Island - Grand Island
MSN:
U-228
YOM:
1986
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
5611
Captain / Total hours on type:
2200.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
1666
Copilot / Total hours on type:
44
Aircraft flight hours:
6962
Circumstances:
The flight was a part 135 six-month proficiency check for the pilot in the left seat. Both pilots were check airmen for the commuter air carrier. The flight took off at 2343 after cessation of company revenue operations. The cockpit voice recorder recorded conversation of both pilots discussing aerobatics. The pilot in the left seat started to describe the performance of a prohibited maneuver (apparently a barrel roll). The recording ended before description of the maneuver was completed. The airplane impacted in a nose level attitude with the left wing slightly down. There was evidence the maneuver was performed at an altitude insufficient to assure recovery of the airplane. A filled out grade sheet for the flight being flown was found in the check airman's mailbox. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
The deliberate disregard for the federal aviation regulations, gp express procedures, and prudent concern for safety by the two pilots in their decision to execute an aerobatic maneuver during a scheduled check ride flight, and the failure of gp express management to establish and maintain a commitment to instill professionalism in their pilots consistent with the highest levels of safety necessary for an airline operating scheduled passenger service.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 402C in Chadron: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1987 at 2057 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N105GP
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Alliance - Chadron
MSN:
402C-0642
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
6865
Captain / Total hours on type:
169.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8229
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on a flight to Chadron via Chadron VOR. About 30 miles south-southeast of the VOR, the pilot requested and was cleared to fly direct to Ackme IAF for an NDB runway 02 approach. The aircraft continued toward the VOR which was in the same general direction, but 11.9 miles south of Ackme. The NDB was at the airport. Ackme IAF was 9 miles southwest of the airport on a bearing of 227° and defined by an intersection with the 356° radial of the VOR. About 3 to 4 miles southeast of the VOR, radar service was transmitted and frequency change was made. Subsequently, the aircraft struck trees on a ridge and crashed. Initial impact occurred in wings level flight at approximately 4,480 feet on a direct route between the VOR and Ackme IAF. An investigation revealed that after the frequency change, the aircraft continued to the VOR, then maneuvered as if the pilot was flying the NDB approach, but was using the VOR as the IAF. Radar data showed contact was lost after a procedure turn was made and the aircraft was outbound about 6 miles northeast of the VOR. The crash site, however, was about 3 miles west-southwest of where radar contact was last recorded. The weather at Chadron was in part: 500 feet overcast, 1.5 mile visibility with light snow and fog. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found. The passenger was seriously injured and both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (c) ifr procedure - improper - pilot in command
6. Planned approach - discontinued
7. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
8. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
9. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FL in Grand Island: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 9, 1986 at 0238 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N1198Z
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Omaha - Grand Island
MSN:
680-1608-116
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
5522
Captain / Total hours on type:
520.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7340
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft crashed and burned 4 miles north of the airport while on an instrument approach. The pilot had transmitted that he had an engine problem. The #5 cylinder was found detached from the left engine but the left propeller was not feathered. An engine teardown revealed evidence to indicate the #5 cylinder attachments were not properly torqued. No preimpact failure could be found with the right engine. The right propeller was found in feathered position. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) engine assembly, cylinder - failure, total
2. (f) maintenance - improper - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
4. (c) wrong propeller feathered - selected - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) object - tree(s)
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #4: fire
Phase of operation: other
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Norfolk: 5 killed

Date & Time: Apr 14, 1986 at 1013 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N6700L
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Norfolk - Omaha
MSN:
31-105
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
5980
Circumstances:
The airplane departed on runway 31 with a low ceiling and visibility variable from 1/4 mile to 1/16 mile and winds from 290° at 38 knots, gusting to 47 knots. A witness stated that the airplane was airborne no more than two minutes after the engines were started. The airplane was heard and observed 1/4 of a mile northeast of the airport at low altitude. It climbed into the clouds and impacted the terrain in an almost flat attitude, 1/8 of a mile beyond and was demolished by impact and post-impact fire. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - obscuration
3. (f) weather condition - snow
4. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (f) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
----------
Occurrence #3: fire
Phase of operation: other
Final Report:

Crash of a Swearingen SA226TC Metro II in Valley: 13 killed

Date & Time: Jun 12, 1980 at 1546 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N650S
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Appleton - Minneapolis - Lincoln
MSN:
TC-228
YOM:
1977
Flight number:
ZW965
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
13
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
13
Captain / Total flying hours:
8391
Captain / Total hours on type:
6000.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
4063
Copilot / Total hours on type:
143
Aircraft flight hours:
8055
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Appleton, Wisconsin, at 1245LT on a regular schedule service (ZW965) to Lincoln, Nebraska, with an intermediate stop in Minneapolis. En route, while cruising at 12,000 feet, the crew encountered moderate turbulences and precipitation and was cleared to descend to 8,000 feet then later at 6,000 feet. As turbulences were getting worse, the crew was later cleared to descend to 4,000 feet and finally 3,000 feet. While descending to 6,000 feet, massive water ingestion caused both engines to lose power simultaneously. Both engines were restarted but the Metro couldn't recover and struck a muddy field in a slight nose down, right wing-down attitude. The aircraft bounced and hit the ground 288 feet further on. The plane skidded 1,022 feet before coming to rest inverted. There was no fire. Two passengers were seriously injured while 13 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The flight crew's continued flight into an area of severe thunderstorms, and the resultant precipitation-induced flameout or loss of power of both engines at an altitude from which recovery could not be made. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the failure of the flight crew to utilise all available sources of weather information and the failure of the air traffic control system to disseminate critical weather information to the air traffic controllers and to the crew of Flight 965, the failure of air traffic control supervisory personnel to accomplish key job functions, and the failure of Center Weather Service Unit meteorologists to disseminate critical weather information to the Omaha Radar Approach Control Facility supervisors. Also contributing was the precipitation induced X-band radar attenuation which limited tile ability of airborne weather radar to detect the extent and intensity of the weather disturbances.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas DC-6 in Omaha: 7 killed

Date & Time: Dec 6, 1978 at 1725 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
TP-203
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Omaha – San Antonio – Mexico City
MSN:
43129/106
YOM:
1948
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Omaha-Eppley Airport, while climbing, the airplane suffered an engine fire. It stalled and crashed in a huge explosion on a dyke located near the runway end. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all seven occupants were killed. The airplane was en route to Mexico following maintenance at Omaha facilities.
Probable cause:
Engine fire for unknown reasons. An oil leak was reported.

Crash of a Learjet 25 in Lincoln: 3 killed

Date & Time: Sep 25, 1973 at 0618 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N40LB
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lincoln - Omaha
MSN:
25-009
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2690
Circumstances:
The takeoff from Lincoln Airport was initiated in low ceiling and fog. Just after liftoff, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control in initial climb following an inadequate preflight preparation on part of the crew. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling and fog,
- Poor crew coordination,
- The pilot-in-command was rated in this model the previous day.
Final Report:

Crash of a North American B-25 Mitchell in Paxton: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1971
Operator:
Registration:
N8630H
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fremont - Torrington
MSN:
4-595
Location:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
58
Captain / Total hours on type:
17.00
Circumstances:
En route from Fremont (Nebraska) to Torrington, Wyoming, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with several cloud layers down to low altitude. In flight, control was lost. The airplane entered a dive and crashed in an isolated area. The wreckage was found six days later and both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
The crew continued under VFR mode into adverse weather conditions. The following factors were reported:
- Spatial disorientation,
- Low ceiling down to 400 feet, rain and fog,
- Inadequate preflight preparation.
Final Report: