Corpus Christi-Rockport

On January 19, 1982 at 01:23 PM, Corpus Christi-Rockport experienced a crash involving Swearingen SA226T Merlin III, operated by Baker Marine Construction Corporation, with the event recorded near Rockport-Aransas County Texas.

The flight was categorized as executive/corporate/business and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

2 people were known to be on board, 2 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Prior to the FAF during a VOR/DME approach, the Merlin was cleared to change to the unicom frequency. The pilot of the Merlin contacted unicom and requested and airport advisory. The unicom operator replied that there was a pirep of 500 feet over the field with two miles visibility but 'zilch' over the water. Shortly after this contact the pilot of the AA-5A called on unicom turning final. The pilot of the AA-5A was given the same advisory as given to the Merlin and further advised that another aircraft was inbound for runway 14. The aircraft collided less than one mile northwest of the approach end of runway 14. AIM 157 recommends that VFR inbound flights broadcasting entering downwind and final. AIM 363 recommends that, when making an IFR approach to an airport not served by a tower or FSS and after ATC advises to change to advisory frequency, to broadcast intentions, including type approach, position and when over FAF inbound. All three occupants in both airplanes were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration N336SA, MSN T-336, year of manufacture 1980.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 28.0206°, -97.0544°.