Raleigh - Richmond

On February 19, 1988 at 09:27 PM, Raleigh - Richmond experienced a crash involving Swearingen SA227 Metro III, operated by AVAir - Air Virginia, with the event recorded near Raleigh-Durham North Carolina.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

12 people were known to be on board, 12 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: 2, passengers on board: 10, passenger fatalities: 10, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The aircraft departed during low ceiling, low visibility, and night conditions. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft impacted a reservoir. Analysis of radar data indicated the aircraft was in a 45° descending turn. Examination of the aircraft trim system showed that the aircraft was trimmed for level flight. There was no voice or flight data recorder on board. A review of ATC communications indicated that the captain was communicating with ATC allowing the first officer to accomplish the flying duties. Examination of the wreckage revealed no indications of powerplant or system failures. However, there was evidence that the sas warning light was illuminated, the sas switch was in the off position, and no sas system malfunction could be found. Witnesses stated that before the flight the captain had complained of illness but he decided to report for duty. Company records showed instances of substandard performance by the first officer. The investigation found company oversight of training, operations, and inadequate faa supervision. All 12 occupants were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration N622AV, MSN AC-622, year of manufacture 1985.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 35.9353°, -78.8135°.