Beechcraft 80 Queen Air
Safety Rating
9.7/10Total Incidents
84
Total Fatalities
267
Incident History
Aviation Technology Innovators
On December 10, 2011, BE-65-80QA (Queen Air) with Registry RP-C824 took off from RWY 13, Manila Domestic Airport on/or about 0610 UTC (1410H) southbound for San Jose, Mindoro. There were three (3) persons on board, the PIC and two (2) other persons; one was seated at the right-hand cockpit seat and the other one at the passenger seat. After airborne, the ATC gave instructions to the pilot o turn right and report five (5) miles out. After performing the right turn, the pilot requested for a reland which was duly acknowledged but the ATC with instructions to cross behind traffic on short final Rwy 06 (a perpendicular international runway) and to confirm if experiencing difficulty. However, there was no more response from the pilot. From a level flight southward at about 200 feet AGL, three (3) loud sputtering/burst sounds coming from the aircraft were heard (by people on the ground) then the aircraft was observed making a left turn that progressed into a steep bank and roll-over on a dive. After about one complete roll on a dive the aircraft hit ground at point of impact (Coordinates 14.48848 N 121.025811 E), a confined area beside a creek surrounded by shaties where several people were in a huddle. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded and fire immediately spread to surrounding shanties and a nearby elementary school building. The aircraft was almost burned into ashes and several shanties were severely burned by post-crash fire. A total of thirteen (13) persons were fatality injured composed of: the 3 aircraft occupants who died due to non survivable impact and charred by post-crash fire, and ten (10) other persons on the ground, all residents at vicinity of impact point, incurred non-fatal injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. About 20 houses near the impact point were completely burnt and the adjacent Elementary School building was severely affected by fire.
Transportes Aéreos Don Carlos
The twin engine aircraft was completing a charter flight from Coyhaique to Chile Chico with an intermediate stop in Balmaceda where six additional passengers boarded. The airplane departed Balmaceda Airport runway 27 at 1310LT for the second leg to Chile Chico. About 16 minutes into the flight, while cruising in marginal weather conditions, radar contact was lost after the airplane crashed in an uninhabited area. The wreckage was found in the late afternoon in Meseta del Guenguel. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 10 occupants were killed.
Aero Condor - Servicio de Transporte Aéreo Turistico - STAT
The twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in the region of Maracaibo while completing a flight from Maracaibo to Boa Vista. No trace of the crew was found and it is believed that the flight was illegal.
Cotercon Comercial
Shortly after takeoff from Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The pilot lost control of the aircraft that rolled to the left, lost height and crashed onto four houses located in the district of São Bernardo near the airport. The aircraft and four houses were destroyed. All three occupants were killed and two other people on the ground were injured.
Private Spanish
Shortly after takeoff from Valdepeñas Airport runway 08, while in initial climb, both engines lost power. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed in an open field located 3 km from the airfield. Both occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Two Engines and a Prayer
After a 4.7 hour flight, while turning onto final, the airplane landed short. The pilot did not mention engine problems during a police interview. He subsequently told an FAA Inspector that the left engine failed, then later, that the right engine failed. He told the Safety Board that both engines failed. Adequate fuel was confirmed. The previous day, the right engine failed approaching another airport. The pilot performed a single-engine go-around, with landing gear and flaps down. He refused assistance and performed his own maintenance. He cleaned the fuel filters of both engines. During a ground runup, the right engine was hard to start, and required a high fuel flow to remain running. After the pilot re-cleaned the right fuel filter the engine ran fine. The flight was uneventful until the accident. Post-flight examination revealed all propeller blades bent back 90 degrees, with significant chordwise scoring on one blade per engine. The left engine fuel filter was relatively clean, with some brown residue which contained ferrous material. The right engine fuel filter was heavily coated with a white residue which contained aluminum, and brown material which contained ferrous material. The pilot received his multi-engine rating on April 22, 1998.
Viproca
At 1759LT, while descending to Caracas-Maiquetía-Simón Bolívar Airport by night, the pilot informed ATC about an engine failure. Six minutes later, the aircraft crashed in the sea about 22 km north of the airport. A passenger was rescued at 2205LT. The following night, two dead bodies were found while seven other occupants were never found. The aircraft sank and was lost. Crew: Ricardo Batija. † Passengers: Francesco Porco, Fernando Guasamucare, † Ileana González, † Víctor Ruiz, † Yelitza Arenas, † Juan Cabezas, † Ledda Martínez, † Edwin Núñez, † Paola de Guasamucare. †
Falcon Airlines
The aircraft was engaged on a charter flight for the BHP Cannington mine, and departed from Townsville at 0630 EST. The flight was uneventful and the aircraft landed at Cannington at 0840. The aircraft was refuelled and at about 0945 seven passengers and baggage were loaded. The aircraft was started and taxied for runway 36. During this time the necessary checks were completed. The takeoff was commenced, and after the aircraft became airborne and was accelerating with a positive rate of climb, the landing gear was selected up. While the gear was still in transit, there was a sudden power loss from the left engine. The pilot described a simultaneous height loss, roll, pitch, and yaw accompanied by a sound similar to a buzz saw from the left engine. The pilot immediately recognised that the left engine had failed and attempted to maintain speed and directional control. Power was reduced on the right engine to maintain directional control, and it was the pilot's intention to land the aircraft with gear retracted beyond the end of the runway. However, the left wingtip struck a steel fence post, and this spun the aircraft to the left. The aircraft struck a low earth bank while travelling sideways and rearwards. When the aircraft came to rest, all windows were obscured and the pilot believed the aircraft was on fire. The pilot tried unsuccessfully to open the main cabin door, and the passengers were then evacuated through the emergency exit.
Talon Air Service
Witnesses observed the airplane contact the water while buzzing a lake, 'emerge from a cloud of water,' and enter a climb trailing white vapor. As the airplane approached the lake shore, the right propeller 'quit turning,' then the airplane entered a steep right bank and impacted the ground. The right propeller lever was found in the feather position. Propeller teardowns revealed signatures indicating the right propeller was feathered and the left propeller was operating in the low pitch range at impact. Disassembly of the engines revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies, and, in the opinion of the manufacturer, 'both engines appeared capable of producing power prior to impact.' Toxicological tests showed 178.000 mg/dl (0.178%) ethanol in vitreous fluid, 90.000 mg/dl (0.09%) ethanol in blood, 114.000 mg/dl (0.114%) ethanol in brain fluid, 3.000 mg/dl acetaldehyde in brain fluid, 22.000 mg/dl acetaldehyde in blood, and 4.000 mg/dl 2-propanol in brain fluid. The levels of ethanol found indicate ingestion of alcohol, and the levels of acetaldehyde and 2-propanol (metabolites of ethanol) detected support ingestion of alcohol.
Air Cargo Masters
The airplane was cruising at 6,000 feet where it encountered icing conditions. When cleared to 3,600 feet, the pilot reported that one engine lost all power and the other one was running rough. The airplane continued the descent. After about ten minutes the airplane departed controlled flight, reversing heading and impacting near vertically in the terrain. A post accident examination of the left engine (which was feathered) found an induction duct which had deteriorated and begun to come apart. Foreign object material in the compressor assembly similar in appearance to material from the duct was found. The number five piston had a hole burned through it.
Kiwi West Aviation
The aircraft departed Hamilton Airport runway 36 on a scheduled service to New Plymouth on behalf of Eagle Airways. Six minutes after takeoff, while climbing to an altitude of 5,000 feet, the crew informed ATC about the failure of the left engine and was cleared to return for an emergency landing. Four minutes later, the right turn failed as well. The airplane lost height and crashed in an open field located 9 km from Hamilton Airport. All six occupants were killed.
Oscar A. Romaguera
Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Puerto Plata-Gregorio Luperón Airport, the pilot informed ATC about technical problems with the right engine and was cleared to return. Shortly later, the aircraft lost speed and height then crashed in a wooded area located near Moca, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.
Air Link International Aviation
Shortly after takeoff from Coron-Francisco B. Reyes Airport, while climbing in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed. Both occupants were killed. The aircraft was on its way to Maila, carrying a load of lobsters and crabs.
Aerovias Guatemala
The twin engine aircraft departed Flores Airport on a charter flight to Guatemala City, carrying 12 passengers and one pilot, among them three American citizens. The pilot started the descent to Guatemala City-La Aurora in good weather conditions despite some mountains were shrouded in clouds. On approach, the aircraft struck a mountain located near Palencia, about 20 km northeast of La Aurora Airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all 13 occupants were killed.
J. Guzman
Crashed in unknown circumstances in a field. Occupant's fate unknown.
Chris E. Nicholson
The pilot stated that while in level flight the left engine failed and he observed a fire warning light and shut the engine down, the right engine then began to run rough and lose power. He then restarted the left engine but neither developed enough power to sustain flight. He executed a forced landing on a highway and struck a vehicle and a fire erupted. Examination of the left engine revealed a cross threaded fuel nozzle fitting and soot patterns aft of it. No cause for the right engine failure was found. No evidence of an annual inspection was found.
Private Brazilian
En route from Uaicas to Pião, the pilot encountered problems with the right engine and decided to divert to Sítio da Velha Airport where he landed without further problems. On ground, one of the passenger who was a mechanic proceeded to a control of the right engine but did not find any anomalies. It was decided to take off but one of the passenger decided not to board. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 200 feet, the aircraft banked right and crashed few hundred meters from the runway end, bursting into flames. All three occupants were killed.
Argentinian Navy - Armada Argentina
Crashed in unknown circumstances. There were no casualties.
Air Eastern
At 0341 hours EST on 6 July 1989, Beechcraft 80 Queen Air aircraft registered VH-XAE collided with high voltage power lines and descended rapidly, contacting the ground three kilometres north-east of Tolmie. The pilot, who was the only occupant, received fatal injuries. There was no fire. The aircraft was on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne cruising at 8000 feet. Persons in the accident area heard an aircraft flying very low over their houses, then observed a flash of light and heard the sound of ground impact. A ground search was commenced but due to falling snow and very poor visibility the wreckage was not found until about 0745 hours in daylight. The elevation of the ground at the accident site was approximately 2,700 feet above sea level.
Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú
In unknown circumstances, the twin engine aircraft crashed on a mountain side located in the region of Olmos. All five occupants were killed.
Sunflower Airlines
On final approach to Matei Airport, the crew initiated a go-around procedure when the twin engine aircraft struck a tree and crashed, bursting into flames. All 10 occupants were injured.
Aeroguayacán
The twin engine aircraft departed La Serena-La Florida Airport at 1900LT on a regular schedule service to Santiago de Chile. About 45 minutes into the flight, the crew encountered engine problems, declared an emergency and was cleared to divert to San Felipe Airport. On approach, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a peach plantation located 10 km from the airport, bursting into flames. A passenger was seriously injured while eight other occupants were killed.
Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú
In unknown circumstances, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located near Caravelí. The wreckage was found 13 January 1987. All four occupants were killed.
Executive Fliteways
During climb after takeoff, left engine seized. Pilot said he attempted left engine restart; propeller would not rotate or feather. No emergency declared. Pilot stated engine shutdown procedure was used, scientific bus switches were shut off, right generator was recycled and appeared to operate normally. Pilots got immediate vector to return to Martin Airport, but radar contact was lost for about 5 minutes. Electrical problems were encountered and pilots had problems maintaining headings, thus were delayed in diverting to alternate. With left prop unfeathered, they could not maintain altitude. Due to bad weather at Martin, they diverted to Baltimore. Radar and radio contacts were lost and they could not reach Baltimore. During forced landing, aircraft hit tree and crashed short of intended landing area. Teardown of left engine revealed #4 and #5 connecting rods had failed at crankshaft; they were discolored from heat and scored; other rod bearings had indications of oil starvation. Metallic debris from failed engine found in oil system. Several oil feed holes to rod bearings were obstructed with metallic debris. Fire damaged most of the electrical system. Aircraft (modified for environmental testing) not flight tested for drag inducing modifications; written flight crew instructions not avail for modifications. A pilot was killed and three other occupants were injured.
Carlos de Lima Lozada
Shortly after takeoff from La Carlota-General Francisco de Miranda AFB, the crew encountered technical problems and elected to return. The aircraft lost height and eventually struck the roof of a garage and crashed in the district of Macaracuay, less than 3 km southeast from the airport. All seven occupants were killed while there were no injuries on ground.
Sunair
The twin engine airplane departed Lusaka on an ambulance flight to Johannesburg. While descending to Jan smuts Airport, the pilot encountered limited visibility due to poor weather conditions and was diverted to Lanseria Airport. Few minutes later, while approaching Lanseria, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all five occupants.
North Pacific Airlines
During arrival, the crew of NP flight 1802 contacted the company weather observer at Soldotna who advised the weather was: wind calm, ceiling 600 to 800 feet, visibility 8 to 10 miles, no precipitations. They made an NDB approach, but missed the approach and requested another approach. Approximately one minute later, the crew reported the aircraft had accumulated a heavy load of ice. They could have diverted nearby to Kenai for an ILS approach, but elected to make a VOR approach back to Soldotna. While being vectored, they made two more checks with the weather observer who advised the weather had deteriorated to below minimums and recommended diverting, but the crew did not acknowledge. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees on high terrain approximately 1.5 mile southeast of the airport. There was evidence the aircraft was circling when it crashed. Circling was not authorized south of runway 07/25. Investigations revealed recurring problems with the anti-ice system, its 'single' mode was inoperative, two de-ice boots were missing from prop blades. Weather station listed only one lighted marker (1/4 mile away) for visibility reference; minimum landing visibility was one mile; ceilometer was inoperative. No FAA inspection of weather station in 2 years. Icing forecasted. All nine occupants were killed.
Private American
Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing both occupants.
William Craig
At approximately 2130 edt, the aircraft collided with a tree while the pilot was making a low pass over a wooded area. After hitting the tree, the plane crashed into a pond. Reportedly, the aircraft had returned from Columbia (South America) and the aircrew were preparing to drop duffel bags of cocaine. When the aircraft hit the tree, the pilot was flying while the other person was getting ready to throw out the bags. Both occupants were seriously injured.
Private American
Several days prior, a fam flight was intended in the aircraft to be given to the pilot by another person who represented himself as a pilot. The flight was cancelled due to a problem with the left engine. On the day of the accident, the other person told the pilot that the engine was repaired and they proceeded to conduct a local test flight with the other person conducting the takeoff from the left seat. They reportedly switched seats prior to landing. The approach appeared normal until just prior to landing. A burst of sound from the engines was heard and the aircraft yawed and rolled left. The left wing impacted the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled. The last logbook entry was in 10/82. The owner could not be located. The other pilot could not be located and there is no record of him being issued a pilot's certificate. During teardown of the left engine the servo fuel injector was found rigged extremely lean at the idle stop.
L. F. Vanstone Jr.
The flight departed Fort Lauderdale at 1626 and at 1654 in the vicinity of Bimini was advised to contact Nassau radio. The flight failed to contact Nassau and there were no further communications with the flight. Search efforts produced negative results. IMC prevailed on the proposed route of flight. Radar depictions showed the most severe weather to be between Miami and Bimini. Sigmet 7 issued at 1455 showed an area of embedded thunderstorms extending to a point 100 miles east of Miami with tops to 40,000 feet that was moving ne at 15 knots. The wreckage and all three occupants were not recovered.
Private American
While taking off from an unsuitable terrain in Groveland, the twin engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded and sandy area, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.
Soren Edward Jensen Jr.
The pilot was attempting to land in a rough terrain when the airplane crash landed, lost its undercarriage and came to rest in flames. The pilot was injured while the aircraft was destroyed.
Universal Airways - USA
While in cruising altitude in marginal weather conditions on a flight from Houston to Dallas, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive. During the descent, wings and stabs separated and the aircraft crashed near Madisonville. All three occupants were killed.
Atlas Aviation
After takeoff from Pine Knot-McCreary County Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane drifted to the left then struck trees and crashed in a wooded area, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.
Mark Elliott
Crashed in unknown circumstances into Lake Marian while probably engaged in an illegal flight. The wreckage and the pilot were not found.
George E. Harris %26 Company
The pilot, sole on board, departed Boscobel-Ian Fleming Airport on an illegal flight. While cruising along the shore, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea off Port Maria. The aircraft was not recovered and the pilot was presumed dead. The airplane was carrying a load of marijuana at the time of the accident.
George H. Bailey Company
While flying at low height by night on an illegal flight, both engines failed. The airplane descend, collided with trees and crash landed in a swamp. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Vernair Transport Services
Crashed in unknown circumstances while approaching Karachi-Quaid-e-Azam Airport following a delivery flight from UK. Both pilots were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Private American
After takeoff from Wheeling-Palwaukee Airport, while climbing, the pilot declared an emergency after an explosion on the left engine. He was cleared to return for an emergency landing and continued the approach when, upon touchdown, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Dale Langley
The twin engine airplane departed Oklahoma City Airport in the late morning on a local check-out flight. En route, the pilot became lost and disoriented, causing the aircraft to fly to the south for few hours until it went low on fuel. The pilot ditched the airplane off New Orleans. A passenger was slightly injured while two other occupants were killed.
Don Zimmermann Aviation
While cruising in limited visibility due to poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a hilly terrain in the region of Torreon. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all four occupants were killed.
Rancho San Gabriel
The twin engine airplane crashed under unknown circumstances in South Bay, Florida. The aircraft was discovered abandoned and burning in a sod field and the pilot, sole on board, was killed. The circumstances of the accident could not be determined.
Private Venezuelan
Few minutes after takeoff from La Carlota-Francisco de Miranda Airbase in Caracas, en route to Porlamar, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located near Caracas. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Solaqueen
On final approach to Mobile-Bates Field, the pilot was advised by tower that the landing gear were up. The pilot initiated a go-around and made a steep slow climb during which he lowered the gear. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Gander Aviation
Shortly after takeoff from St John's Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed on the slope of Mt Picco's Ridge located near Portugal Cove, about six km west of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all 10 occupants were killed. Crew: Gerald Eichel, pilot, Michael Fitzpatrick, copilot. Passengers: Bill Manning, Marc Laterreur, B. Napier Simpson Jr., Robert Painchaud, Jules Leger, Jacqueline Leger, Brenda Babbits, Alex Babbits. Source: www.planecrashgirl.ca
Compañía Minera Autlán
The twin engine airplane was performing an executive flight from Tampico to Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz, with an intermediate stop in Mexico City. On final approach, one of the engine apparently failed. The airplane lost height, struck antennas and the roofs of several houses before crashing in flames in the district of Jardín Balbuena, about 3 km short of runway 05. One of the occupant survived while five others were killed. Crew: Jorge Azcárraga, pilot, Mario Vértiz, copilot. Passengers: Mario Bairón, J. Haele, Enrique Silva, Javier Ortiz.
Royal Thai Air Force - Kong Thap Akat Thai
Shortly after takeoff from Songkhla Airport, while climbing, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed into Songkhla Lake. All six occupants were killed.
Lisle Aircraft
The pilot declared an emergency following an in-flight fire. The airplane crash landed in a frozen lake located near Indian Harbor, east coast of Newfoundland. The pilot, sole on board, escaped uninjured while the aircraft was written off.
Safety Profile
Reliability
Reliable
This rating is based on historical incident data and may not reflect current operational safety.
