BAe 125

Historical safety data and incident record for the BAe 125 aircraft.

Safety Rating

9.7/10

Total Incidents

67

Total Fatalities

192

Incident History

Private American

Jesús María Semprún Zulia

After flying over the Yucantan Province and the Cayman Islands, the aircraft entered the Venezuelan Airspace without permission. It was pursued by F-16 fighters over the Lake of Maracaibo until it crashed in unknown circumstances in the Jesús María Semprún municipality. There was no fire and no casualties apparently. The aircraft was destroyed.

Private Mexican

Alta Verapaz Alta Verapaz

Engaged in an illegal flight, the crew was attempting to land on a remote airstrip located in the region of Alta Verapaz. In unclear circumstances, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all four occupants were killed.

Private American

Sartaneja Corozal

The airplane landed on an illegal airstrip, lost its nose gear and hit obstacles before coming to rest. No one was found on site. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

April 19, 2020 2 Fatalities

Private American

La Libertad Petén

The aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in a wooded area located near La Libertad and was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. Both pilots were killed. Guatemalan Authorities reported the aircraft was engaged in a contraband mission and a load of 762 kilos of cocaine was found.

Private Mexican

Caballo Blanco Retalhuleu

Probably engaged in an illegal contraband flight, the crew attempted to land on a road when the aircraft crashed against a vehicle parked in a sugarcane field and awaiting for the it, bursting into flames. No one was found on site. The airplane was damaged beyond repair. The registration XN-PNK is false, the older one was XB-OUF.

Private Mexican

San Andrés Villa Seca Retalhuleu

The airplane was engaged in an illegal flight and its crew attempted to land in a bush area located in San Andrés Villa Seca. No one was found on site and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. It is unclear if the registration is illegal or the original one.

September 2, 2019 2 Fatalities

Private Mexican

Champerico Retalhuleu

The airplane was apparently engaged in an illegal flight, carrying a crew of two. It crashed in unknown circumstances near Champerico, Guatemala, and was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. According to the flight plan, the aircraft was supposed to fly from Zihuatanejo to Chetumal with one passenger and two crew members. Guatemalan authorities reported that the flight was illegal and that the aircraft was presumed transporting a load of cocaine.

March 10, 2019 1 Fatalities

Private American

San Pedro de Peralta Quintana Roo

The aircraft was engaged in an illegal flight, carrying two pilots and a load of 200 kg of cocaine. En route, the crew apparently encountered an unexpected situation and was forced to attempt an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in a wooded area located near San Pedro de Peralta. A pilot was killed while the second was seriously injured. Originally registered N299GS, the aircraft was cancelled from the US registered on 15 February 2018 and exported to Mexico. The registration N18BA is false.

Líder Taxi Aéreo

São Paulo-Guarulhos São Paulo

The airplane departed Brasilía-Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Airport in the evening on a charter flight to São Paulo-Congonhas, carrying two pilots and one passenger, the Senator Aécio Neves da Cunha. During the takeoff roll, a tire on one of the main landing gear failed. The crew continued the flight, informed ATC about his situation and preferred to divert to São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport that offered longer runway for an emergency landing. After touchdown by night, the aircraft deviated to the right then veered off runway. The left main gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest in a grassy area. All three occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

April 6, 2016 6 Fatalities

Japan Air Self-Defense Force - Koku Jieitai

Kanoya AFB Kyushu

The aircraft departed Kanoya AFB at 1315LT on a calibration flight with six people on board. After he complete a counter clockwise arc, the crew started the descent to Kanoya AFB Runway 08R. The visibility was poor due to low clouds. On approach, at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the aircraft entered clouds when the GPWS alarm sounded. Two second later, the crew deactivated the alarm and continued the approach. Ten seconds later, the aircraft impacted trees and crashed on the slope of Mt Takakuma (1,182 metres high) located 10 km north of the airbase. The wreckage was found a day later and all six crew members were killed.

Washington Corporation Leasing

Palm Springs California

After takeoff from Palm Springs Airport, while on a positioning flight to Boise, the crew encountered technical problems with the undercarriage. Following a holding circuit, the crew decided to return to Palm Springs and to complete a gear up landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft slid on its belly for few dozen metres before coming to rest. Both pilots evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

November 10, 2015 9 Fatalities

Execuflight

Akron-Canton Ohio

The aircraft departed controlled flight while on a non precision localizer approach to runway 25 at Akron Fulton International Airport (AKR) and impacted a four-unit apartment building in Akron, Ohio. The captain, first officer, and seven passengers died; no one on the ground was injured. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. The airplane was registered to Rais Group International NC LLC and operated by Execuflight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 as an on-demand charter flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight departed from Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport, Dayton, Ohio, about 1413 and was destined for AKR. Contrary to Execuflight’s informal practice of the captain acting as pilot flying on flights carrying revenue passengers, the first officer was the pilot flying, and the captain was the pilot monitoring. While en route, the flight crew began preparing for the approach into AKR. Although company standard operating procedures (SOPs) specified that the pilot flying was to brief the approach, the captain agreed to the first officer’s request that the captain brief the approach. The ensuing approach briefing was unstructured, inconsistent, and incomplete, and the approach checklist was not completed. As a result, the captain and first officer did not have a shared understanding of how the approach was to be conducted. As the airplane neared AKR, the approach controller instructed the flight to reduce speed because it was following a slower airplane on the approach. To reduce speed, the first officer began configuring the airplane for landing, lowering the landing gear and likely extending the flaps to 25° (the airplane was not equipped with a flight data recorder, nor was it required to be). When the flight was about 4 nautical miles from the final approach fix (FAF), the approach controller cleared the flight for the localizer 25 approach and instructed the flight to maintain 3,000 ft mean sea level (msl) until established on the localizer. The airplane was already established on the localizer when the approach clearance was issued and could have descended to the FAF minimum crossing altitude of 2,300 ft msl. However, the first officer did not initiate a descent, the captain failed to notice, and the airplane remained level at 3,000 ft msl. As the first officer continued to slow the airplane from about 150 to 125 knots, the captain made several comments about the decaying speed, which was well below the proper approach speed with 25° flaps of 144 knots. The first officer’s speed reduction placed the airplane in danger of an aerodynamic stall if the speed continued to decay, but the first officer apparently did not realize it. The first officer’s lack of awareness and his difficulty flying the airplane to standards should have prompted the captain to take control of the airplane or call for a missed approach, but he did not do so. Before the airplane reached the FAF, the first officer requested 45° flaps and reduced power, and the airplane began to descend. The first officer’s use of flaps 45° was contrary to Execuflight’s Hawker 700A non precision approach profile, which required the airplane to be flown at flaps 25° until after descending to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and landing was assured; however, the captain did not question the first officer’s decision to conduct the approach with flaps 45°. The airplane crossed the FAF at an altitude of about 2,700 ft msl, which was 400 ft higher than the published minimum crossing altitude of 2,300 ft msl. Because the airplane was high on the approach, it was out of position to use a normal descent rate of 1,000 feet per minute (fpm) to the MDA. The airplane’s rate of descent quickly increased to 2,000 fpm, likely due to the first officer attempting to salvage the approach by increasing the rate of descent, exacerbated by the increased drag resulting from the improper flaps 45° configuration. The captain instructed the first officer not to descend so rapidly but did not attempt to take control of the airplane even though he was responsible for safety of the flight. As the airplane continued to descend on the approach, the captain did not make the required callouts regarding approaching and reaching the MDA, and the first officer did not arrest the descent at the MDA. When the airplane reached the MDA, which was about 500 ft above the touchdown zone elevation, the point at which Execuflight’s procedures dictated that the approach must be stabilized, the airspeed was 11 knots below the minimum required airspeed of 124 knots, and the airplane was improperly configured with 45° flaps. The captain should have determined that the approach was unstabilized and initiated a missed approach, but he did not do so. About 14 seconds after the airplane descended below the MDA, the captain instructed the first officer to level off. As a result of the increased drag due to the improper flaps 45° configuration and the low airspeed, the airplane entered a stalled condition when the first officer attempted to arrest the descent. About 7 seconds after the captain’s instruction to level off, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recorded the first sounds of impact.

September 5, 2015 7 Fatalities

Senegalair

Atlantic Ocean All World

The airplane departed Ouagadougou Airport at the end of the afternoon on an ambulance flight to Dakar-Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport with one patient, one doctor, two nurses and three crew members on board. After entering in contact with Dakar Control, the crew was cleared to FL340, an altitude that was confirmed by the crew at 1801LT. But the airplane continued and climbed to FL350. At 1812LT, the aircraft collided with a Boeing 737-8FB operated by Ceiba Intercontinental. Registered 3C-LLY, the B737 was operating the flight CEL071 Dakar - Cotonou - Malabo with 104 passengers and 8 crew members on board. Immediately after the collision, the BAe 125 entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the Atlantic Ocean about 111 km off Dakar. The pilot of the Boeing 737 informed ATC about a possible collision and continued to Malabo without further problem. Nevertheless, the top of the right winglet of the Boeing 737 was missing. SAR operations were suspended after a week and no trace of the BAe 125 nor the 7 occupants was ever found.

May 20, 2015 4 Fatalities

Private American

Puerto Colombia Atlántico

The aircraft took off in the day from an airfield located in Venezuela with two passengers, two pilots and a load of 1,3 ton of narcotics, en route to Central America. While cruising over the Caribbean Sea off the Colombian coast, the aircraft was intercepted by a Colombian Air Force fighter. In unclear situation, the right engine of the Hawker caught fire (shot down ?). The crew descended in a low nose down attitude until the aircraft impacted the sea and disintegrated. All four occupants were killed and the load of narcotics was found floating on water. Three dead bodies and some debris of the aircraft were found few days later on a beach located northeast of Puerto Colombia. The aircraft was identified as N917TF which departed Fort Lauderdale-Executive Airport, Florida for Toluca, Mexico on May 1, 2015. It was formally cancelled from the U.S. register on June 2, 2015 as exported to Mexico.

Sirius-Aero Aviakompania

Moscow-Vnukovo Moscow oblast

The twin engine aircraft departed Moscow-Vnukovo Airport on a positioning flight to Makhatchkala, carrying a crew of three. On approach to Makhatchkala Airport, the crew was unable to lower the gear that remained stuck in their wheel well. Despite several attempts, the crew was unable to lower the gear manually and eventually decided to return to Moscow-Vnukovo for an emergency landing. The aircraft belly landed on a foam covered runway and slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest. All three crew members escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

April 19, 2014 8 Fatalities

Lineas Aéreas Comerciales

Saltillo Coahuila

Following an uneventful flight from Cozumel, the crew initiated an ILS/DME2 approach to Saltillo-Plan de Guadalupe Airport Runway 17. On final, the crew encountered poor visibility due to foggy conditions. Despite he was unable to establish a visual contact with the runway, the crew continued the approach and descended below the MDA when the aircraft collided with power cables and crashed on a building located in an industrial park, 1,448 metres short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all eight occupants were killed. The building was also destroyed by fire. At the time of the accident, the horizontal visibility was estimated to be 800 metres with a vertical visibility of 200 feet.

Sirius-Aero Aviakompania

Moscow-Vnukovo Moscow oblast

The crew departed Moscow-Sheremetyevo Airport on a positioning flight to Moscow-Vnukovo Airport. On approach by night, the crew configured the aircraft for landed when he realized that the right main gear remained stuck in its wheel well. The crew following a holding pattern and after the runway was covered with foam, he completed an emergency landing. After touchdown, the right wing contacted ground and the aircraft slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest. Both pilots escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

JODA LLC

Loreto Baja California Sur

Shortly after takeoff from Loreto Airport, the crew encountered technical problems and elected to return. On final approach over the Gulf of California, in a gear up configuration, the aircraft struck the water surface and came to rest into the sea close to the shore, few dozen metres short of runway 34 threshold. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

October 26, 2009 5 Fatalities

S-Air - Aviakompania S-Air

Minsk-2 Minsk voblast

Following an uneventful flight from Moscow-Vnukovo Airport, the crew started a night approach to Minsk-2 Airport runway 31. On approach, the crew encountered poor visibility due to marginal weather. The 'Pull Up' alarm sounded and the captain initiated a go-around procedure. Few minutes later, the crew attempted a second approach to land. At an altitude of about 550 metres, the crew realized he was on the wrong ILS frequency and corrected it. On final, the EGPWS alarm sounded for 35 seconds but the captain decided to continue the approach until the aircraft impacted trees and crashed in a wooded area located 3 km short of runway, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all five occupants were killed.

July 31, 2008 8 Fatalities

East Coast Jets

Owatonna Minnesota

On July 31, 2008, about 0945 central daylight time, East Coast Jets flight 81, a BAe 125-800A airplane, registered N818MV, crashed while attempting to go around after landing on runway 30 at Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, Owatonna, Minnesota. The two pilots and six passengers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The nonscheduled, domestic passenger flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated; however, it was canceled before the landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Great Idea Corporation

Barcelona Anzoátegui

Following an uneventful flight from Caracas-Maíquetia-Simón Bolívar Airport, the crew complete the approach to Barcelona-General José Antonio Anzoátegui Airport. The airplane landed normally and after a course of about 100 metres, both main gears collapsed. The aircraft skidded on runway and eventually came to rest, bursting into flames. All 8 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

January 2, 2006 3 Fatalities

Avcom - Aviation Commercial

Kharkiv-Osnova Kharkiv oblast

The crew departed Moscow-Sheremetyevo Airport on a positioning flight to Kharkiv where some passengers should be picked up for a charter flight to Lyon. On final approach to Kharkiv-Osnova Airport runway 07, at a distance of 4,600 metres from runway threshold, the crew selected flaps down. The right flap deployed to an angle of 20° (as requested by the crew) while the left flap deployed to an angle of 6°. This asymmetry caused the aircraft to roll to the left then to enter an uncontrolled descent before it crashed on the shore of lake Komsomolsk. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and debris were found 140 metres further while the main wreckage sank in the lake, some 4,300 metres from the runway threshold and 750 metres to the left of its extended centerline. All three crew members were killed.

Scott Aviation

Bromont Quebec

The aircraft, operated by Scott Aviation, with two crew members and four passengers on board, took off from Montréal, Quebec, at 1756 eastern standard time, for a night instrument flight rules flight to Bromont, Quebec. Upon approaching Bromont, the co-pilot activated the lighting system and contacted the approach UNICOM (private advisory service). The flight crew was advised that the runway edge lights were out of order. However, the approach lights and the visual approach slope indicator did turn on. The flight crew executed the approach, and the aircraft touched down at 1818 eastern standard time, 300 feet to the left of Runway 05L and 1800 feet beyond the threshold. It continued on its course for a distance of approximately 1800 feet before coming to a stop in a ditch. The crew tried to stop the engines, but the left engine did not stop. The co-pilot entered the cabin to direct the evacuation. One of the passengers tried to open the emergency exit door, but was unsuccessful. All of the aircraft’s occupants exited through the main entrance door. Both pilots and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the three remaining passengers received minor injuries. The aircraft suffered major damage.

Intertransit

Luanda-4 de Fevereiro Luanda

Few minutes after takeoff from Lunda-4 de Fevereiro Airport, en route to Catumbela, the crew informed ATC about hydraulic problems and was cleared for an emergency return to Luanda. Due to the failure of the primary hydraulic system, the crew was unable to lower the landing gear and decided to complete a belly landing on the grassy area located between both runways 23 and 25. The aircraft slid on its belly for few dozen metres before coming to rest. Both pilots were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

October 27, 2003 3 Fatalities

Aero Xtra

Las Potrancas (Aldama) Tamaulipas

The aircraft departed Tampico-General Francisco Javier Mina Airport on a positioning flight to Las Potrancas Aerodrome located near Aldama, Tamaulipas. On approach to runway 02, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions with low clouds. As the aircraft was not properly aligned, the captain decided to initiate a go-around procedure and to make a left turn. At low height (about 800 feet), the aircraft struck a hill located to the left of the aerodrome and crashed. All three occupants were killed.

Starflite Aviation

Beaumont-Jack Brooks Texas

The purpose of the flight was for the instructor-pilot to prepare the first and second pilots for their FAA Part 135 competency and proficiency checks scheduled to be conducted in the accident airplane the following week, with operator proving tests to follow shortly thereafter. The first pilot obtained a computer science corporation (CSC) direct user access terminal service (DUATS) weather briefing and filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The instructor-pilot was listed as the pilot-in-command. The airplane took off and proceeded to its designated practice area. According to the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), the pilots practiced various maneuvers under the direction of the instructor-pilot, including steep turns and approaches to stalls. Then the first pilot was asked the to demonstrate an approach-to-landing stall. The first pilot asked the instructor-pilot if he had "ever done stalls in the airplane?" The instructor-pilot replied, "It's been awhile." The first pilot remarked, "This is the first time I've probably done stalls in a jet. Nah, I take that back, I've done them in a (Lear)." The instructor pilot said he had stalled "the JetStar on a [FAR] one thirty five ride." Flaps were extended and the landing gear was lowered. Digital electronic engine control (DEEC) recorded a power reduction that remained at idle. According to national track analysis program (NTAP) data, the stall was initiated from an altitude of 5,000 feet. The stick shaker sounded and shortly thereafter, the recording ended. The consensus of 25 witness' observations was that the airplane was flying at low altitude and doing "erratic maneuvers." One witness said it "seemed to stop in midair," then pitched nose down. Some witnesses said that the airplane was spinning. Other witnesses said it was in a flat spin. Still another witness said the airplane fell "like a falling leaf." The airplane impacted marshy terrain in a nose-down, wings-level attitude. Wreckage examination revealed the landing gear was down and the flaps were set to 25 degrees. Both engines' compressor/turbine section blades were gouged and bent in the opposite direction of rotation, and there were rotational scoring marks on both cases. No discrepancies were noted.

National Aircraft Leasing

Seattle-Boeing Field Washington

The Co-Pilot was the flying pilot with the Captain giving directions throughout the approach phase. The Captain stated that he extended the flaps and the landing gear. When the aircraft touched down, the landing gear was not extended. The Co-Pilot reported that she did look down at the landing gear lever and at "three green lights" on the approach. The CVR was read out which indicated that the Co-Pilot directed the Captain to call inbound. The Captain acknowledged this and stated "fifteen flaps." The Co-Pilot then stated "fifteen flaps, before landing." The Captain did not respond to the Co-Pilot but instead made a radio transmission. The Captain shortly thereafter, stated that he was extending the flaps to 25 degrees. The Captain made another radio transmission to the tower when the Co-Pilot stated "final, sync, ignitions." The Captain responded "ignitions on." Full flaps were then extended. The Captain gave the Co-Pilot continued directions while on the approach for heading, speed and altitude. At approximately 300 feet, the Captain stated, "yaw damper's off, air valves are off, ready to land." The Captain reported that it was obvious that touchdown was on the flaps and keel. The Captain stated that he raised the flaps, shutdown the engines, and confirmed that the landing gear handle was down. During the gear swing test the landing gear cycled several times with no difficulties. All red and green lights illuminated at the proper positions. During the test, it was found that the gear not extended horn did not function with the gear retracted, the flaps fully extended and the power levers at idle. Later a bad set of contacts to the relay was found. When the relay was jumped, the horn sounded. Inspection of the damage to the aircraft revealed that the outer rims of both outer tires displayed scrape marks around the circumference of the rim. The outer surface of the gear door fairings were scraped and the flap hinge fairings was ground down.

J %26 D Aviation

Lanseria Gauteng

The aircraft was parked on the international departures apron at FALA, ready for a flight from FALA to Blantyre. The pilot assumed that the engineer had pressurised the hydraulic accumulator and therefore did not inspect it himself. When the passengers arrived, the pilot got in the aircraft and began the internal pre-start checks. The co-pilot removed the chocks after boarding the passengers, closed the door and then started to brief the passengers. At that moment the pilot noticed that the aircraft was rolling forward. Attempts to stop the aircraft were unsuccessful, the aircraft rolled forward, narrowly missed a hangar and a parked Bell Long-ranger helicopter next to the hangar, crossed the taxiway and finally stopped when entering a ditch between the taxiway and the runway. The pilot was the holder of a valid transport pilot’s licence and had the type endorsed in his licence. The operation of the hydraulic system was found to be satisfactory. The hand pump was used to pressurise the system after which the brakes could be applied successfully.

Chrome Air

Lagos-Murtala Muhammed Lagos

On final approach to Lagos-Murtala Muhammed Airport, both engines failed simultaneously due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft lost height, collided with approach lights and crashed short of runway threshold. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The exact date of the mishap remains unknown, somewhere in May 2001.

Million Air Charter

Jackson Hole Wyoming

The airplane was flying a full instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 18 at a high altitude airport (elevation 6,445 feet), in a mountainous area, at night. The control tower was closed for the night. The airport was located in a national park, and, therefore, the runway lights were not left on during the night. During non-tower operation hours, the procedure for turning on the runway lights called for the pilot to key the microphone multiple times on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), which was the tower frequency. The copilot of the accident airplane made multiple attempts to turn on the runway lights using the UNICOM frequency, which had been the CTAF until about 6 months before the accident. The captain continued his landing approach below approach minimums without the runway lights being on. While in the landing flare, the captain reported that strong cross-winds and blowing snow created a "white-out" weather condition. The airplane touched down 195 feet left of the runway centerline in snow covered terrain between the runway and taxiway. Two ILS Runway 18 approach plates were found in the airplane. One was out of date and showed the UNICOM frequency as the CTAF. The other was current and showed the tower frequency as the CTAF. All four occupants escaped uninjured, among them the actress Sandra Bullock and the musician Bob Schneider.

DP Air

Las Vegas-McCarran Nevada

The pilot landed with the landing gear in the retracted position, when both the main and auxiliary hydraulic systems failed to extend the gear. The airplane caught fire as it skidded down the runway. The left inboard main tire had blown on takeoff and a 30-inch section of tread was loose. Black marks were along the length of the landing gear strut and up into the wheel well directly above the left inboard wheel. The normal and emergency hydraulic systems both connect to a common valve body on the landing gear actuator. This valve body also had black marks on it. A gap of 0.035 inch was measured between the valve body and actuator. When either the normal or auxiliary hydraulic system was pressurized, red fluid leaked from this gap. Examination revealed that one of two bolts holding the hydraulic control valve in place had fractured and separated. The fractured bolt experienced a shear load that was oriented along the longitudinal axis of the actuator in a plane consistent with impact forces from the flapping tire tread section.. Separation of only one bolt allowed the control valve to twist about the remaining bolt in response to the load along the actuator's longitudinal axis. This led to a loss of clamping force on that side of the actuator. Hydraulic line pressure lifted the control valve, which resulted in rupture of an o-ring that sealed the hydraulic fluid passage. 14 CFR 25.739 describes the requirement for protection of equipment in wheel wheels from the effects of tire debris. The revision of this regulation in effect at the time the airplane's type design was approved by the FAA requires that equipment and systems essential to safe operation of the airplane that is located in wheel wells must be protected by shields or other means from the damaging effects of a loose tire tread, unless it is shown that a loose tire tread cannot cause damage. Examination of the airplane and the FAA approved production drawings disclosed that no shields were installed to protect the hydraulic system components in the wheel well.

July 9, 1999 4 Fatalities

Aerojet Express

Toluca México

The aircraft departed Los Mochis Airport on a cargo flight to Toluca on behalf of DHL. On descend, the crew was informed by ATC that the visibility was reduced to 1,600 metres due to foggy conditions. While on a night approach to Toluca-Adolfo López Mateos Airport, the crew descended below the MDA, probably to establish a visual contact with the ground. On short final, the aircraft struck a two metres high concrete wall located 350 metres short of runway 15 and crashed, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.

January 18, 1996 14 Fatalities

Federal Government of Nigeria

Kano Kano

The approach to Kano-Mallam Aminu Kano Airport was completed by night but in good weather conditions. On final, the aircraft struck the ground and crashed in a field located 7,2 km short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and all 14 occupants were killed, among them Ibrahim Abacha aged 28, son of General Sani Abacha, President of the Republic of Nigeria. It is unclear if the accident was the result of a controlled flight into terrain or if the aircraft suffered an engine problems or if it was shot down.

Jetcraft Corporation

Santo Domingo-Herrera Santo Domingo

The crew was completing a short flight from Santo Domingo-Las Américas Airport to Santo Domingo-Herrera Airport located in the city center. On short final, the pilot-in-command mistakenly reduced the engine power too much, causing the aircraft to lose height and to struck the runway surface with an excessive vertical speed. The aircraft landed hard, bounced and came to rest few hundred metres further. All six occupants escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

DB Aviation

Waukegan Illinois

The corporate jet's sink rate increased during short final approach. The copilot applied elevator back pressure and nose up trim. The sink rate continued to increase. The captain observed the copilot's efforts and began applying back pressure on his control yoke. Through combined efforts of both pilots they were able to increase the pitch enough that the airplane touched down on the main gear first. However, the touchdown was hard. The on-scene investigation revealed that a trip manifest container was lodged between the copilot's control yoke column and seat frame. The pilots stated the container is required to be carried in the cockpit during lights. Both pilots said there is no designated space in the cockpit to retain the container.

March 16, 1991 10 Fatalities

Duncan Aircraft Sales

Mt Otay California

After flying personnel of entertainment group to Lindbergh Field, aircraft was positioned to nearby Brown Field, since late departure was planned after noise curfew was in effect at Lindbergh. Pilot talked with FSS specialist (splst) 3 times before takeoff. He reported he did not have instruction departure procedures from airport. Splst read departure procedures on phone. On last call to FSS, pilot said he planned to depart VFR toward northeast and obtain IFR clearance after airborne (this route was toward mountains.) During call, pilot expressed concern about remaining cleared of TCA and inquired about staying below 3,000 feet. Splst agreed with pilots concerns, but after accident, splst said he thought pilot was referring to 3,000 feet agl, rather than 3,000 feet msl. Pilot had filed to takeoff at midnight, but didn't get airborne until 0141 pst. Since flight was over 1.5 hours late, IFR flight plan had 'clocked out.' As controller was reentering flight plan in computer, aircraft hit rising terrain near top of mountain, about 8 miles northeast of airport at elevation of about 3,300 feet. No deficiencies were found with aircraft or its engines. Copilot had no type rating for this aircraft, tho he reportedly had made 3 takeoffs and landings in Hawker-Siddeley HS.125. All 10 occupants were killed, among them all members of the country music 'Reba McEntire Band'. Passengers: Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paul Kaye Evans, Jim Hammond, Terry Jackson, Anthony Saputo, Michael Thomas.

January 30, 1990 1 Fatalities

Slender You

Columbia Missouri

The aircraft was en route at 31,000 feet, when the low pressure fuel filter warning light illuminated. The pilot diverted toward Columbia, MO, but before reaching Columbia, both engines lost power. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed about 2 miles east of the airport. An investigation revealed the fuel was contaminated with water. The fuel filter deicing system was operational, but a post-accident examination revealed the deicing tank was empty. This was the 2nd flight since the deice tank had been serviced. The manufacturer's info indicated the supply tank should have provided about 3 to 4 hours of filter deicing operation. One of the pilots was killed.

January 18, 1988 1 Fatalities

Aero Astra

Houston-William P. Hobby Texas

Before takeoff, a pilot of XA-KUT was briefed that the Houston Hobby (HOU) weather was IFR with '. . . Indefinite ceiling zero sky obscured visibility's 1/16 of a mile and fog . . .' He was also advised IFR conditions were forecast until 0900 cst, gradually improving to marginal VFR by 1100 cst with 1,000 feet broken, 5 miles visibility and fog. The flight took off at 0900 cst. At HOU, arrival was delayed due to weather. The crew requested an ILS approach, with intentions of diverting if a missed approach was made. The RVR was variable. After being cleared for an ILS runway 04 approach, the pilot was advised the RVR had dropped to 1,400 feet. After changing to tower frequency, the flight was cleared to land and was told again the RVR was 1,400 feet. When the aircraft was on final approach, the pilots were advised of a low altitude alert. However, the aircraft continued below the decision height (dh), hit a 70 feet power line (approximately 6,500 feet short of the runway) and crashed. No preimpact malfunction of the aircraft or its systems was found. The ILS was flight checked, but only a minor discrepancy (concerning the outer marker width) was noted. The dh was 200 feet agl, minimum RVR for the approach was 2,400 feet. The copilot was killed and seven other occupants were injured, three seriously.

December 5, 1987 2 Fatalities

Scott Cable Communications

Lexington-Blue Grass Kentucky

While en route at FL370, the pilots declared an emergency, reported a fire in the right engine and requested vectors to the nearest suitable airport. They were vectored toward the Lexington-Blue Grass Airport and circled to descend. Shortly after declaring an emergency, the pilots reported they secured the right engine and extinguished the fire light. As the aircraft was on final approach to land, the local controller (using binoculars) confirmed that both the gear and flaps were extended. However, as the aircraft continued onto a short final approach, an increase in its pitch attitude was noted. It then dropped below the level of the runway threshold and impacted in a pasture short of the runway. After initial impact, the aircraft went thru a stone fence, hit 2 utility poles, crossed a highway, came to rest at the perimeter fence and burned. An auto was damaged by debris; 2 occupants received minor injuries. An investigation revealed the aircraft impacted with the gear extended, but the flaps and flap handle were found in the up position. An examination of the right engine revealed its outer exhaust cone was cracked in the vicinity of a fire detection loop. No other preexisting mechanical problems were evident. Both pilots were killed and both passengers were seriously injured.

September 8, 1987 9 Fatalities

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

Carajás-Parauapebas Pará

Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the aircraft lost height and crashed in a huge explosion. All nine occupants were killed, among them Marcos de Barros Freire, Brazilian minister of Agrarian Reform.

December 15, 1986 10 Fatalities

Radio Communications Corporation

Casablanca-Nouasseur (Mohammed V) Grand Casablanca

On approach to Casablanca-Nouasseur Airport, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the aircraft crashed into houses located 2 km short of runway. All eight occupants were killed as well as two people on the ground.

August 2, 1986 2 Fatalities

American Agronomics Corporation

Bedford-Virgil Ivan Grissom Indiana

The pilot canceled IFR 8 miles from the airport to continue on a visual approach and landing. Witnesses stated a strong thunderstorm had just passed over the airport. Wind info issued to the pilot by unicom were west at 20 knots. Witnesses observed the aircraft approach runway 31 and execute a go-around before touchdown. The aircraft circled left to a runway 06 (almost direct downwind) approach. Touchdown occurred about 2/3 down the 3,100 feet long runway. The engines were heard to spool up to high power (no thrust reversers) but the aircraft did not become airborne. It overran the runway into rough terrain and caught fire. Investigation showed the landing gear was down, flaps were at approach setting and speed brakes were fully deployed. Both pilots were killed.

December 31, 1985 7 Fatalities

Federal Government of Nigeria

Kaduna Kaduna

The crew was cleared to descent to 4,500 feet when the aircraft went out of control and crashed in an open field located 32 km short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all seven occupants were killed.

Hardees Foods

Sparta-Upper Cumberland Tennessee

Ten minutes prior to landing heavy rain fell on airport. Aircraft made normal touchdown, spoilers and lift dump activated. Pilot-in-command delayed brake application as usual and did not get thrust levers in idle. After aircraft passed mid-field taxiway pic reported brakes became ineffective. Aircraft hydroplaned on water-covered runway and overran departure end, down and embankment, and hit a ditch. Runway had an off center crown, grass was about two feet tall at runway edge, and a dam had formed from previously cut grass which prevented water drainage. Airport manager said he was not aware water would stand on runway.

April 11, 1985 7 Fatalities

Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Argentinas - YPFA

Salta Salta

On approach to Salta-Martin Miguel de Güemes Airport, the crew encountered stormy weather. In limited visibility, they failed to realize their altitude was insufficient when the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain and crashed few km from the airport. All seven occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility dropped below minimums.

June 29, 1983 2 Fatalities

Erasmus

Houston-William P. Hobby Texas

The Grumman American AA-5A, N9844U, had just landed. While taxing, the aircrew stopped short of runway 13R as Beechcraft. Hawker BH-125, N125E, was taking off. The rated student in N125E, who was on a training flight, was at the controls and began the takeoff. The power-up and takeoff roll were normal. Rotation was described as normal and the left throttle was retarded to idle at 110 knots, as pre-briefed, to simulate an engine failure. The instructor pilot (IP) stated that the lift off appeared normal and directional control was good up to an alt of 10 to 20 feet. The left wing then started to drop and the student applied right aileron, but did not stop the roll. The IP began advancing the left throttle, but did not get on the flight controls. The left wing hit the runway and the aircraft veered left and settled to the ground. At impact, both main gear mounts failed, a fuel tank ruptured and a fire started. N125E then slid into N9844U and both aircraft burned. BH-125 flight man recommends IP follow thru, max bank 5° and cautions negative wxvaning in crosswind. BH-125 rudder bias engaged. AA-5A crew thrown out, seatbelts unlatched.

Servicios Ejecutivos Nacionales - SENSA

Laredo Texas

On final approach to Laredo Airport on a flight from Monterrey, the airplane stalled and crash landed. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

May 2, 1981 4 Fatalities

Servicios Aéreos Regiomontanos - SARSA

Monterrey-General Mariano Escobedo Nuevo León

The twin engine airplane was completing a charter flight from Reynosa to Monterrey, carrying four passengers and a crew of two. On final approach by night, the pilots failed to realize their altitude was too low when the airplane struck trees and crashed 6,5 km short of runway. The wreckage was found 10 hours later. Both pilots and two passengers were killed. Two other passengers were seriously injured, among them the Peruvian actress Patricia Aspíllaga. Her husband, the Mexican businessman Arturo Ornelas, did not survive.

December 26, 1980 3 Fatalities

Servicios Aéreos Regiomontanos - SARSA

Cancún Quintana Roo

Following a night takeoff at Cancún Airport, the airplane descended into trees and crashed in a wooded area, about one km from the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed and all three crew members were killed. The crew was engaged in a positioning flight to Monterrey.

Safety Profile

Reliability

Reliable

This rating is based on historical incident data and may not reflect current operational safety.

Primary Operators (by incidents)

Private American5
Private Mexican4
Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira2
Churchill Falls Corporation2
Federal Government of Nigeria2
Servicios Aéreos Regiomontanos - SARSA2
Sirius-Aero Aviakompania2
South African Air Force2
1
Aero Astra1