Beechcraft 65 Queen Air

Ferdinand Noel Mison

En route from Basco to Tuguegarao, the crew encountered technical problems and elected to divert to the nearest airport for an emergency landing. The twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in a river. All 13 occupants, among them two children, evacuated safely. The aircraft damaged beyond repair.

Private American

Shortly after takeoff for a repositioning flight for the airplane’s upcoming annual inspection, numerous witnesses, including the two air traffic controllers, reported observing the airplane climbing out normally until it was about 1/2 mile beyond the runway. The witnesses stated that the airplane then underwent a short series of attitude excursions, rolled right, and descended steeply into a lagoon. All radio communications between the airplane and the air traffic controllers were normal. Ground-based radar tracking data indicated that the airplane's climb to about 500 feet was normal and that it was airborne for about 40 seconds. Postaccident examination of the airframe, systems, and engines did not reveal any mechanical failures that would have precluded continued normal operation. Damage to both engines’ propeller blades suggested low or moderate power at the time of impact; however, the right propeller blades exhibited less damage than the left. The propeller damage, witness-observed airplane dynamics, and the airplane’s trajectory were consistent with a loss of power in the right engine and a subsequent loss of control due to airspeed decay below the minimum control speed (referred to as VMC). Although required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Airplane Flight Manual, no evidence of a cockpit placard to designate the single engine operating speeds, including VMC, was found in the wreckage. The underlying reason for the loss of power in the right engine could not be determined. The airplane's certification basis (Civil Air Regulation [CAR] 3) did not require either a red radial line denoting VMC or a blue radial line denoting the single engine climb speed (VYSE) on the airspeed indicators; no such markings were observed on the airspeed indicators in the wreckage. Those markings were only mandated for airplanes certificated under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 23, which became effective about 3 years after the accident airplane was manufactured. Neither the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nor the airplane manufacturer mandated or recommended such VMC or VYSE markings on the airspeed indicators of the accident airplane make and model. In addition, a cursory search did not reveal any such retroactive guidance for any twin-engine airplane models certificated under CAR 3. Follow-up communication from the FAA Small Airplane Directorate stated that the FAA has "not discussed this as a possible retroactive action... Our take from the accident studies is that because of the accident record with light/reciprocating engine twins, the insurance industry has restricted them to a select group of pilot/owners…" Toxicology testing revealed evidence consistent with previous use of marijuana by the pilot; however, it was not possible to determine when that usage occurred or whether the pilot might have been impaired by its use during the accident flight.

Robert Peter Watson Sr.

During the preflight inspection, some water was present in the fuel sample; it was drained until a clear sample was observed. Subsequently, the fuel tanks were topped off, and the remaining preflight inspection revealed no other anomalies. The pilot initiated a takeoff and upon reaching rotation speed, the airplane became airborne and the landing gear was retracted. The right engine immediately lost power, and the pilot feathered the engine and attempted to return to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the left engine lost power. The pilot informed the air traffic controller that the airplane had lost all power. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain and a post crash fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of fuel retrieved from the right main fuel tank, as well as fuel from the fixed base operator, revealed no anomalies. The left fuel selector valve was observed in the plugged port (no fluid flow) position, but it was most likely moved to that position during the accident sequence. The right fuel selector valve was partially aligned with the main fuel passageway and was unobstructed. The reason for the loss of engine power to both engines was not determined.

M. R. Aircraft Sales %26 Rental

About 1 hour after departure and 15 minutes after reaching the cruising altitude of 9,000 feet, the left engine quit. The flight crew feathered the left propeller and turned toward the closest airport which was 80 miles away. The aircraft would not maintain altitude and entered a 500 foot per minute descent. About 20 minutes after engine failure the aircraft was ditched in the ocean about 50 miles from the closest airport. The flight crew and passengers were rescued the following morning and the aircraft was not recovered. The second pilot and owner of the aircraft stated the aircraft was about 90 pounds over the maximum allowable weight at the time of departure. The previous owner of the aircraft stated that both engines had exceeded the recommended overhaul time by about 450 flight hours.

Advantage Aviation

According to an FAA inspector, the airplane '...was unable to get airborne...' during the takeoff roll. He stated that after travelling the full length of the 4,997-foot runway, the airplane ran off the departure end of runway 5 and continued approximately 2,257 feet through an open field, a fence, a corn field and into a depression where it impacted terrain and came to rest. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll he discovered that he had not removed the gust lock from the control column and that his attempts to remove it were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that the aircraft '...went off the end of the runway through a fence and impacted an earthen berm that collapsed the gear [and] blade strikes that stopped the engines.'

Peninsula Sky Divers

The airplane was loaded with 10 sport parachutists and one pilot. Later, investigators calculated that the maximum gross weight was exceeded by 149.6 pounds, and the center of gravity was 2.87 inches aft of the aft limit. The cabin door had been removed for parachuting operations; however, an altered Flight Manual Supplement had been used as authority for the door removal. The airplane was not on the FAA-approved eligible list for such removal. The airplane needed to be refueled before flight, but the quantity of fuel in the airport's underground storage tank was below the electric cutoff level. Fuel was pumped manually from the storage tank into plastic jugs, which were used to refuel the airplane. Before takeoff, samples of fuel were reported to have been drained from the airplane's fuel tanks (sumps). According to witnesses, they heard an engine misfiring during takeoff. They observed the airplane level off during the initial climb and start a shallow right turn. The bank angle gradually increased from shallow to steep as the nose dropped and the airplane descended. Other witnesses observed the airplane in a steep dive just before it crashed in the rear of a residence. One person in the residence was killed. A postaccident fire destroyed the accessory sections of both engines. Examination of the airplane disclosed evidence that the right engine had been shut down and the right propeller had been feathered; however, no preimpact mechanical failure was found. A sample of excess fuel was obtained from the tank that was used to refuel the airplane, but no observable quantity of water or contamination was found.

Caribbean Food %26 Produce

The pilot stated he noted a loss of oil pressure and a partial loss of power of the right engine during cruise flight. The engine then lost power, and the pilot was unable to feather the right propeller. The airplane would not maintain altitude and the pilot ditched the airplane about 75 miles southeast of St Croix. After exiting the airplane, the pilot inflated a raft, and was found by rescue personnel about 4 hrs later. The airplane was not recovered.

Greenbelt Wood Product Company

En route from Manila to Virac, the twin engine aircraft lost altitude then crashed on the slope of a mountain located near Mauban. All five occupants were killed. It is believed that the pilot encountered engine problems for unknown reasons.

William J. Edwards

Pilot reported level at 6,000 feet; no further transmissions were received. Radar data shows that after 5 minutes at cruise flight ground speed began to slow, and as speed reached 85 knots (VMC is 83 knots) aircraft made a rapid turn to the left and the speed dropped to 74 knots. Radar contact was then lost. Witnesses reported hearing and seeing aircraft with an engine sputtering and quitting, at which time no engine noise was audible. Engine would then restart, and at one point aircraft was observed initiating a climb after engine start. Engine restarted and obtained near full power, and a short time later sound of impact was heard. The left engine fuel servo was found contaminated with corrosion and dirt, and would not allow fuel flow to the engine. The fuel strainer for this engine was installed backwards allowing unfiltered fuel to enter the engine. The left propeller was not feathered and had no signs of rotation under power. Right engine fuel servo also contained corrosion and contamination. The aircraft did not have a current annual inspection. All five occupants were killed.

McGee Timber Corporation

The instrument rated pilot was en route to his granddaughter's graduation exercises scheduled for the following day. He had received two preflight weather briefings from flight service and he was advised that marginal VFR conditions existed en route, and instrument meteorological conditions at his destination, and that VFRflight was not recommended. A witness who was below the mountain said he heard a low flying aircraft overhead. He stated that he caught a glimpse of the airplane and said it was 'well below the crest of the mountain' heading south. The weather as reported by the witness was about 200 overcast and visibility below 1 mile in fog. He also mentioned that the clouds had obscured the mountain. Shortly thereafter, he heard what was later determined to be the collision. Search personnel located the burning wreckage on top of Mitchells mountain 50 miles north of Charlottesville. Both occupants were killed.

Jack Marshall Foods

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the aircraft yawed to the right, left then right again. The passenger in the copilot seat stated the right engine rpm gauge indication needle was fluctuating. The pilot positioned the right engine mixture control to idle cutoff and the propeller control to feather. The propeller continued to windmill. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted to land on a highway but the aircraft collided with an unmarked power line, light pole, then the ground and was destroyed by a post crash fire. The right engine was recovered and due to impact damage, the propeller and fuel servo were replaced. The engine was placed on a test stand and was started and found to operate normally. The prop governor and damaged fuel servo were tested and found to operate normally. The damaged propeller was inspected and found to be free of preimpact failure or malfunction. No determination could be made as to the reason for the reported power fluctuation from the right engine. A witness stated gear retraction was delayed after takeoff.

Richard E. Stahl

A Beech 65 collided with trees in mountainous terrain after an inflight loss of control. A pilot observed the airplane start a turn to the right, roll right and continued until inverted and enter into a spin. The aircraft was in a steep nose down attitude when it began its pull out. The engines were heard by a ground witness who initially mistook them for an approach motorcycle. The pilot initially flew the aircraft 45 days before the accident and logged 3.5 dual instruction hours. There was no record in the pilot's logbook of any additional flight training since the initial flight. The pilot satisfactorily completed a before in a Cessna 150 four days before the accident. Examination of the wreckage disclosed the right engine had broken exhaust valve, but the left propeller was feathered. There were no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures found with the left engine. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.

Fayard Enterprises

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff on a parachute jumping flight the left engine lost power, but a second later power was restored. Soon afterwards a total power loss occurred. According to the pilot, the propeller stopped rotating and did not windmill. He did not feather the left propeller. He made a shallow left turn toward an open field, while trying to return to the airport. He was unable to maintain adequate airspeed or altitude, and in order to maintain aircraft control, he reduced power on the right engine. He made a forced landing in a wheat field. The airplane came to a stop and all occupants escaped the airplane before it caught fire. The examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Raymond E. Wooldridge

Crashed while approaching Nassau Airport by night on a flight from Santa Ana, California. Both occupants were injured.

Airborne Geophysics

Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, the pilot stated he was returning to land due to a problem. On final the aircraft rolled inverted and descended nose down into a residence. Engine examination revealed a failed supercharger intermediate drive shaft gear resulting in loss of supercharger on the right engine. The aircraft was approximately 300 lbs over max gross weight. The landing gear was down and the flaps were extended approx 20°. The left throttle was found in the full forward (high power) position. The right prop control was in full decrease rpm, high pitch and the right engine magneto switches were off. Witnesses had observed the aircraft descend to below traffic pattern altitude. At approx 200 feet agl a loud engine noise was heard and the slow flying aircraft pitched up, rolled right and descended vertically about 1/2 mile from the airport. The pilot had not declared an emergency or defined his problem. The pilot's last recorded flight in the Beech 65 was in February 1988. There was no record of a check-out or flight training in the aircraft. Both occupants were killed.

Perimeter Aviation

Shortly after takeoff from Winnipeg Airport, the pilot encountered engine problems. The aircraft lost height and crashed on a factory located near the airport. The aircraft was destroyed but all five occupants were rescued.

Phoenix Air - USA

The aircraft was found crashed in shallow water near Key Largo, FL. Attempts to locate the pilot or current operator were fruitless. The circumstances surrounding the crash and the cause are unknown.

Raymond C. Jopling Jr.

The pilot was observed in the area for several minutes while he was performing steep climbs and descents, low passes, and buzzing. Witnesses reported power was removed from both engines simultaneously, as if the throttles were retarded, followed by a loud pop. The aircraft began to wobble slightly and then a surge of engine power was heard only seconds before tree impact occurred. The aircraft then yawed sharply and impacted the ground. The wreckage was found near Montague, about five miles northeast of Bowie Airport, the intended destination. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Sierra Verde Land Development

According to law enforcement officers, the aircraft experienced double engine failure and made a forced landing in unimproved terrain. During the landing rollout the aircraft struck several trees. An intense post crash fire erupted destroying all but one wing tip of the wreckage. Repeated efforts to contact the pilot and operator have been unsuccessful. It is assumed that there were no injuries and no passengers.

David N. Power

A popping or backfiring sound was heard by several people who later observed the aircraft flying at low altitude on what appeared to be a final approach to runway 13 at Jennings Airport (located about 75 miles southwest of the departure point.) No radios were onboard the aircraft so no distress calls were made. Because of the wind this would have been a downwind landing. The aircraft then aborted the approach due to an aircraft landing from the opposite direction and appeared to start a left turn onto abase leg when it stalled, pitched nose down and impacted the ground with its landing gear and flaps extended. Wreckage examination revealed that all 3 blades of the right prop were bent smoothly and symmetrically rearward. However, no preimpact failure or malfunction of the right engine was found. There were no entries in the aircraft's logbook from 7/1/78 until 4/3/84 when the aircraft was inspected for the ferry flight. The pilot was not multi-engine rated and had not flown this type aircraft in about 10 years. The pilot's commercial certificate was revoked on 11/21/81. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Desarollo New York Panamanian Corporation

While en route at 9,000 feet msl at night, the right engine reportedly lost power and was feathered. The pilot reported that the left engine had a partial loss of power and the aircraft would not maintain altitude. Communication was maintained with Miami Center until the pilot reported ditching about 40 miles south of Nassau, Bahamas. At 0600, a US Navy vessel rescued the pilot and two passengers. The aircraft was not recovered from the ocean.

Private Peruvian

Crashed in unknown circumstances somewhere in Peru in May 1982, exact date unknown.

Private American

On short final to Spirit Lake-Lake Okoboji Airport, the left engine failed. The airplane lost height and struck the runway surface. Out of control, it veered off runway and collided with a fence, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were seriously injured.

Private German

After takeoff from Kassel-Calden Airport, an engine failed and the pilot declared an emergency. He was cleared to return when he lost control of the airplane that crashed near the airport. All three occupants were killed.

Michael C. Joseph

While cruising at low altitude in poor weather conditions over a mountainous area, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain near Sula, Montana. The aircraft was destroyed by a post impact fire and all three occupants were killed.

Seaback Homes

The pilot was completing a drug smuggling flight and elected to land by night and a farm road located in Mission, Texas, when the airplane struck a van and crashed. It was later deliberately set on fire and the pilot was not found.

John Matthews

On approach to St Petersburg-Clearwater Airport, while in traffic pattern, the pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled, entered a spin and crashed. All six occupants were killed.

Sports Air

Few minutes after takeoff from Kennesaw-McCollum Airport, the pilot encountered technical problems and elected to return. On final approach, he decided to initiate a go-around when the airplane stalled, crashed and burst into flames. The pilot was seriously injured.

Private American

While cruising by night over Florida, the pilot contacted ATC and reported a loss of engine power. He was cleared to divert to Fort Pierce-St Lucie County Airport. On final approach, the airplane stalled, entered a dive and crashed few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

A. H. Cowley %26 Associates

The aircraft departed Lexington-Blue Grass Airport in poor weather conditions with negative OAT and icing conditions. While climbing, one of the engine failed after the induction system iced. Control was lost and the airplane crashed in flames in a field. All seven occupants were killed.

Thomas J. Rose

While in normal cruise, one of the engine failed due to low compression. The pilot reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing when the airplane crashed near Preston. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. A load of marijuana and drugs was found on board the aircraft that was stolen.

Edward Orlando

On final approach to Boca Raton Airport, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around when the twin engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames short of runway. All three passengers were injured, two of them seriously, while the pilot was killed.

Private American

While in traffic pattern by night, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.

Lumanair

The twin engine airplane departed Port-au-Prince on a flight to The Bahamas but failed to arrive as it crashed under unknown circumstances into the sea off The Bahamas. No trace of the aircraft nor both occupants was found.

Larry Johnson Air Services

The twin engine airplane suffered an in-flight fire for unknown reasons. The pilot attempted an emergency landing near Zamora. The aircraft crash landed and struck a fence. All three occupants were injured, both passengers seriously.

Vernair Transport

The crew was completing a ferry flight from Washington DC to Liverpool, UK, with intermediate stops in Sondreströmfjord and Reykjavik. On the leg between Greenland and Iceland, the crew encountered icing conditions and declared an emergency after the right engine failed. He was vectored to Kulusuk Airport which is a VFR Airfield located on the southeast coast of Greenland, near the city of Angmagssalik (Tasiilaq) and open to traffic by day only. An hour later, the crew started the descent but due to a limited visibility caused by night and clouds, he was unable to locate the runway and initiated a go-around. About 45 minutes later, while descending to an altitude of 1,700 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located near Angmagssalik. The airplane was destroyed upon impact and both pilots were killed.

C %26 L Timber Company

While descending to Williamstown, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with low ceiling, snow falls and icing conditions. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, the left engine failed and the pilot continued the approach on one engine until he was forced to initiate a go-around manoeuvre. While in traffic pattern-circling, the airplane went out of control, stalled and crashed few miles from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Interstate Auto and Aircraft Parts

Shortly after takeoff from Jacksonville-Intl Airport, while in initial climb, the right engine failed. The crew failed to feather the propeller and the airplane went out of control and crashed. A passenger was seriously injured while all five other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces.

Government of the Province of Misiones

While approaching Puerto Iguazú, the pilot informed ground about fire in the cabin and elected to make an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in flames about 10 km south of the airport. A passenger was seriously injured while five other occupants were killed, including the pilot. The Governor Irrazábal and vice-Governor Ayrault were flying back to Ciudad del Este following a meeting in Buenos Aires with the President of the Argentine Republic Juan Domingo Perón. 67 days after the accident, Mrs. María Susana Irrazábal, the only survivor, died in unclear circumstances (a septicemia was suspected). Passengers: Mr. Juan Manuel Irrazábal, Governor of the Province of Misiones, † Mrs. Irrazábal, spouse of the Governor, † Mrs. María Susana Irrazábal, daughter of the Governor, Mr. César Napoleón Ayrault, vice-Governor of the Province of Misiones, † Mrs. Ayrault, spouse of the vice-Governor. †

Colman %26 Eckert

While approaching Narsarsuaq on a flight from the US, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing for unknown reason. The aircraft crash landed and came to rest in a fjord located few km from the airport. Both occupants were rescued few hours later and were injured by negative temperatures. The aircraft was written off.

HISISA Argentina

Shortly after takeoff from Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbury Airport, while climbing by night at a height of 500 feet, one of the engine failed. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed into the Rio de la Plata, few km offshore. The aircraft sank and was destroyed and all 10 occupants were killed, among them several famous Argentinian ballet dancers, members of the Colón Theater. Crew: Orlando Galotine. Passengers: Norma Fontenla, Jose Neglia, Antonio Zambrana, Carlos Santamarina, Carlos Schiaffino, Margarita Fernández, Martha Raspanti, Rubén Estanga, Sara Bochkovsky.

Kollmorgen Corp.

When the pilot proceeded to the engine start-up at Dublin-New River Valley Airport, the left engine could not start for unknown reason. The pilot decided to takeoff with the right engine only. After liftoff, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height, struck power cables and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was seriously injured.

Executive Air

On final approach to runway 19 at Albany Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility due to low ceiling, rain and fog. On short final, the airplane was too low and crashed into the Mohawk River located about 1,2 mile short of runway threshold. Two passengers were killed while four other occupants were injured.

Flo Air

At liftoff, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames by the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed. He was engaged in a local test flight at Wichita-Beechcraft Field before the aircraft should be delivered to the French operator Flo Air.

Private American

While on a night approach to Beaumont-Jack Brooks Airport, the twin engine aircraft struck the ground and crashed few miles short of runway. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all seven occupants were killed.

National Flights Services

During the takeoff roll at Sparta-Miller Airport, one of the engine lost power. For unknown reason, the pilot decided to continue the takeoff procedure. Shortly after liftoff, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height, struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. The airplane was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Avcom Flight

The crew was completing a training mission in the region of New York State. While descending to Westchester County Airport, he encountered poor weather conditions (fog) and decided to follow a holding pattern. Few minutes later, both engines failed simultaneously. The aircraft lost height then crashed in flames in a field located in Armonk, some four miles north of Westchester County. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Mexican Government

The twin engine aircraft christened 'El Caminero' departed Guadalajara Airport at 1028LT bound for Mexico City, carrying five passengers and two crew members on behalf of the Ministry of Public Works. While approaching the city of Tula, the airplane crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all seven occupants, among them the politician Fernando Espinosa Gutiérrez, engineer.

Hartzog-Schneck Aviation

On final approach to Iron Mountain-Ford Airport, while on a local training mission, the crew voluntarily shut down one engine to simulate a failure. Due to insufficient speed, the airplane stalled and crashed in a field located few miles short of runway. While both occupants were slightly injured, the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Economy Leasing Company

While in cruising altitude by night, the twin engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and eventually crashed in a huge explosion in a wooded area located near Greenville. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.