Executive Aviation

Piper PA-31 Cheyenne

ATC data indicated the airplane was in cruise flight at about 17,000 feet MSL, when the pilot deviated from the intended flight path to avoid thunderstorms. At 2150 EDT, the pilot requested clearance to climb to 19,000 MSL. At 2152, he requested a right turn out of weather and advised ATC that he was 'getting icing.' Between 2153 and 2154, the pilot's transmissions were garbled, then at 2154:38, he stated '...trying to get out of this mess.' Radar and radio contact with the airplane were lost. An in-flight breakup of the airplane occurred, and wreckage was found scattered over a 3 mile area. Postaccident examination revealed the outboard portion of the right wing had failed and separated in an upward and aft direction. Scrape marks were found on the right side of the fuselage, and there was damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and rudder. Also, there was evidence that both engines had separated in flight; they were found about 1 mile from the main wreckage. No preexisting mechanical malfunction or fatigue of the airplane was found. The pilot had received a complete weather briefing, and was advised of severe weather along the intended route of flight.

Cessna 401

While in cruising altitude, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in an isolated area located in the region of Whitefield. The wreckage was found two days later. The aircraft was totally destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Lockheed 18 LodeStar

The twin engine aircraft departed San Diego Airport on a private flight to La Paz, Baja California del Sur, with eight passengers and two pilots on board. In unknown circumstances, the airplane crashed in an isolated area located few dozen km north of La Paz. The wreckage was found two days later and all 10 occupants were killed, among them people who were interested to buy the aircraft.