Beechcraft G18S

Point to Point

The pilot of the twin-engine airplane and the pilot-rated passenger reported that, during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, at 2,000 ft mean sea level, the right engine seized. The pilot attempted to feather the right engine by pulling the propeller control to the feather position; however, the engine did not feather. The airplane would not maintain level flight, so the pilot navigated to a known airport, and the passenger made emergency communications with air traffic control. The pilot was unable to maintain visual reference with the ground until the airplane descended through about 100 to 200 ft and the visibility was 1 statute mile. The pilot stated that he was forced to ditch the airplane in the water about 5 miles short of the airport. The pilot and passenger egressed the airplane and swam ashore before it sank in about 89 ft of water. Both the pilot and passenger reported that there was postimpact fire on the surface of the water. The airplane was not recovered, which precluded a postaccident examination. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Barron Aviation

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in a residential neighborhood in Taylorville, Illinois. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Twelve parachutists on-board the airplane exited and were not injured. No persons on the ground were injured. The airplane was registered to Barron Aviation, LLC; Perry, Missouri, and operated by Barron Aviation Private Flight Services, LLC; Hannibal, Missouri, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a sport parachuting flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from Taylorville Municipal Airport (TAZ), Taylorville, Illinois, about 1100. The airplane had climbed to an altitude of about 11,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and the parachutists were seated inside the airplane on two rear facing "straddle benches". As the airplane arrived at the planned drop location, the parachutists stood up, opened the door, and moved further aft in the airplane in preparation for their jump. Five of the parachutists were positioned hanging on to the outside of the airplane with several others standing in the door and the remainder were standing in the cabin forward of the door. Several parachutists reported that they were almost ready to jump when they heard the sounds of the airplane's stall warning system. The airplane then suddenly rolled and all twelve parachutists quickly exited the airplane. Several of those who were last to exit reported that the airplane was inverted or partially inverted as they went out the door. The pilot, seated in the left front cockpit seat, did not exit the airplane. Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane turning and descending in an inverted attitude when the airplane appeared to briefly recover, but then entered a nearly vertical dive. The airplane impacted a tree and terrain in the back yard of an occupied residence. Emergency personnel who first responded to the accident scene reported a strong smell of gasoline and ordered the evacuation of several nearby homes. There was no post impact fire.

Great American Transportation Company

The twin engine aircraft departed Miami on a flight to Dickson, Tennessee. By night, the pilot decided to land at Cornelia Fort Airpak which is closed to traffic at this time. In unclear circumstances, the aircraft belly landed in a grassy area along the left side of runway 22 and came to rest. The pilot escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Saxon Wings

The instructor was accompanied by a trainee pilot and two passengers (also pilots) on a local training flight and was in the process of doing type conversion training when the accident happened. On the third circuit after a touch and go landing on runway 06L, the right-hand engine failed soon after take-off. The aircraft was flown at low altitude in a left-hand circuit in an attempt to land onto runway 17. During this circuit the left-hand engine also failed. The aircraft collided with, and severed, three 11kV electrical conductors and executed a forced landing with the gear retracted to the North of FALA approximately 1 km from threshold of runway 17. The pilot only sustained minor injuries with no one else injured. The initial on-site inspection revealed that both front tanks, which were selected at the fuel tank selector, were empty. The pilot who was undergoing conversion training refueled the aircraft prior to the accident and stated that 70 litres of fuel was uplifted into each "inboard auxiliary" tank and that what he presumed to be the "main" tanks were filled to capacity. The instructor stated that upon his arrival, the pilot who refueled the aircraft told him that he had filled the "mains" and that the "centre aux. tanks" were partially filled. The instructor further stated that the "main" tanks were selected for the duration of the flight. The aircraft is equipped with three fuel tanks in each wing. These tanks are: Front, Rear Auxiliary and Auxiliary tanks. Only one fuel quantity gauge is installed in the aircraft. A seven position selector knob above the fuel quantity gauge determines the tank to which the gauge is connected which then indicates the amount of fuel in that respective tank. The left and right front tanks were selected on the fuel gauge selector knob.

May Air Express

While in cruise flight at 9,000 feet MSL, the left engine began to 'run rough and lose power.' The pilot said he interpreted the problem as carburetor icing and applied carburetor heat. With the engine still running rough, the left propeller was feathered and the left engine shut down. Restart attempts were not successful. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot requested to land at a nearby airport. After descending through IMC weather, the pilot realized that he would not make it to the airport, and executed a forced landing to rough/uneven terrain. Examination of the engines revealed that the alternate air doors were missing on the right and left engine. The hinges for the doors were attached to both carburetors and showed no evidence of distortion or impact damage. The doors were not found at the wreckage site. A missing alternate air door would allow ambient air to enter the carburetor, rendering the carburetor heating system ineffective. According to carburetor icing probability charts, the reported temperature and dew point values would be favorable to the formation of induction system icing.

TolAir Services

At 1136 AST, the twin engine airplane departed San Juan, PR, on a flight to St Vincent. About 1208 AST, the pilot contacted ATC and indicated that he would like to divert to St Thomas. He informed the controller that he had 'feathered' the left engine due to loss of the left engine cowling, but he did not declare an emergency. He requested wind information for St Thomas, then at about 1613 AST, he changed his destination to Roosevelt Roads, PR. At 1120 AST, the pilot reported that the airplane was losing about 300'/min, then about 1 minute later, he said he was going to attempt an engine restart, and that the airplane was getting close to the water. A short time later, he informed ATC that he was not going to make it to shore. The pilot acknowledged info that search and rescue personnel were responding, then there was not further contact with the airplane. The airplane was located about 6 miles east of Roosevelt Roads NAS, but the pilot was not found. Review of weight and balance info revealed the pilot did not follow written procedures, and that the airplane exceeded the maximum authorized gross weight for take off. Flight crews had been informed of a communique from the manufacturer that there was no need to shut down an engine and feather the propeller unless engine performance or a major vibration problem confirmed the need.

Bering Air

The pilot was attempting to transport by-pass mail from Nome to Gambell, Alaska. The pilot stated that the takeoff run was normal until he rotated the nose of the airplane to lift off. The pilot said the airplane pitched up and he had to apply full forward control yoke pressure while he adjusted the pitch trim to nose down. The airplane rolled to the left and the pilot used the rudders to level the wings prior to impact. The information provided by the company, the FAA, and the post office, indicate that the airplane weighed 10,114 pounds at the time of the takeoff. The certificated maximum gross weight was 10,100 pounds. A weight and balance calculation, based upon information obtained from the company and the placarded limits on the airplane, showed a center of gravity of 121.9 inches. The center of gravity limits shown in the airplane manual are 113 to 120.5 inches. The wreckage examination showed that the elevator trim indicator was indicating full nose up trim.

H %26 G Import %26 Export Corporation

The pilot stated the left engine backfired and began to run rough shortly after takeoff. The engine was shut down and the propeller was feathered. He decided to return and land on the departure runway. Witnesses observed the aircraft on the downwind leg at 800 to 1,000 feet with the landing gear extended. As the aircraft turned to base leg it yawed sharply to the left and the left wing dropped. The aircraft descended rapidly. The pilot stated that as he turned from base to final leg at 75 to 100 feet the aircraft was buffeting and beginning to stall. He realized he would not make the runway and crash landed in a vacant lot. Examination of the left engine after the accident revealed no evidence to indicate precrash failure or malfunction of the engine.

Viking Express

The pilot stated she felt the twin engined tailwheel cargo airplane yaw to the right during takeoff. The pilot stated she applied left rudder and set differential power to correct for the perceived right hand crosswind. As the airplane lifted off, it made a sharp right turn and performed left and right banks leveling off prior to colliding with the ground. The airplane slid through security fences and a fuel supply depot before stopping. The newspaper bundle cargo moved from the two forward bays to the aft end of the cargo compartment. The newspapers were covered with plastic wrapper. The cargo compartment floor was slippery when walked upon and had traces of snow on it. According to the pilot the cargo was covered by a cargo net secured at the forward end but not at the aft end. Two cargo straps were crisscrossed over the net and secured at the aft end of the cargo load. The left throttle was found in the full forward position. The right throttle was found one inch aft of the full forward position.

Blackhawk Airways

The aircraft impacted the ground about 1,000 feet to the left of the runway. The pilot stated that he did not have visual contact with the ground and remembers attempting to make a missed approach. Conditions were IMC. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

K Airways

The pilot was alerted at 0100 for 0200 flight from Kenosha to Milwaukee, WI to pick up cargo for a flight to Atlanta, GA. At 0310, the aircraft departed Milwaukee in VFR. En route, the pilot obtained weather and an IFR clearance. Some of his radio transmissions were not standard. At 0433, he complied with ATC request for frequency change, but his radio transmissions were not clear. Approximately 5 minutes later, ATC asked the pilot to change frequency again, but 5 calls were made before he replied. His last transmission was at 0445:48; he didn't respond to further ATC calls. The aircraft continued cruising at 11,000 feet until 0621, then it descended without clearance. Radar contact was lost at 0627 cst (0727 est). Shortly thereafter, it impacted trees on a mountain, then crashed to the ground and burned. A witness believed the engines were throttled back before impact. Also, the witness reported low clouds and fog, but said the mountain was visible and was not obscured. The pilot had a 1,58‰ alcohol level in blood, no sleep for 21.5 hours, history of alcohol abuse, 7 prior dwi convictions (and ndr rec). Also, he falsified FAA medical applications. FAA was advised in 1984, but took no action.

Wiggins Airways

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the aircraft began to pitch up, decelerate, and roll right. He reduced power and lowered the nose in an unsuccessful attempt to regain control. There were no mechanical malfunctions reported. Both occupants were injured.

Northern Air Service - USA

The aircraft collided with a utility pole and a large tree during a forced landing after a power loss on takeoff. Witnesses heard the aircraft backfiring and the ground run was excessively long. Immediately after takeoff the aircraft went through the tops of pine trees. The backfiring and smoke stopped after the collision with the pine trees and the aircraft started a descent toward a street. It maneuvered as if to avoid a collision with cars. After the accident the spark plugs from the right engine were tested and all but #5 front plug would not spark. However during a subsequent test the spark plugs, with the exception of #5, did test properly. A complete engine teardown did not reveal evidence of mechanical failure or pre-impact engine discrepancy.

Blackhawk Airways

The manager of Blackhawk Airways had cleared the flight for a 1000 edt departure, but the actual takeoff time was not established. No record of a preflight weather briefing was found. However, during a telephone conversation prior to the flight, the pilot indicated to his manager that the clouds would be lower in the mountains. At approximately 1030, ground witnesses observed an aircraft, matching the description of N215W, circling beneath the clouds at Keyser, WV, then depart to the southwest. When the aircraft did not arrive at its destination, a search was begun. It was found where it had impacted rising terrain approximately 6 miles southwest of Keyser. The impact occurred on a 26° slope, at approximately the 3,000 feet level, just below a 3104 feet peak. The aircraft was climbing when it impacted wooded terrain. A pilot/mechanical, who operated an airport approximately 3 miles southeast of Keyser, reported there was fog in the morning hours with a ceiling of about 2,000 feet until midday and that the mountain tops in the vicinity of the crash site were obscured. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Raul A. Lopez Jr.

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing the pilot, sole on board.

Walker's International Airlines

The pilot stated that start, taxi and takeoff were normal until after he raised the gear handle and the aircraft was climbing thru approximately 150 to 200 feet agl. At that time, he noticed that the left engine rpm was decaying. There was insufficient runway remaining to abort, so he elected to feather the left engine and continue the takeoff. The left prop stopped rotating before it feathered. With additional drag from the left prop, the aircraft would not climb or maintain level flight. The pilot was able to fly the aircraft over buildings and other obstacles (up to 75 feet tall) near the airport boundary. Just beyond these obstacles, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. There was a small post-impact fire near the accessory section of the right engine. An exam and teardown of the left engine revealed that an impeller shaft bearing, Pratt & Whitney part number 288943, had failed and allowed the impeller to rub against the diffuser. No other preimpact failures were found. The pilot, sole on board, was slightly injured.

Aero Taxi - USA

During the takeoff roll at New Cumberland Airport, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff due to technical issues on the left engine. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran, struck a moving vehicle on a road and crashed. The pilot was slightly injured while no one on the ground was injured.

Alaska Express

After takeoff from Anvik Airport, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. He was en route to Anchorage on a company cargo flight.

Gull Air - Air Florida Commuter

Shortly after takeoff from Hyannis-Barnstable Airport, while on a cargo flight to Nantucket, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. Both occupants were killed.

Deral D. Browning

During a night takeoff from Atlanta-Fulton County- Brown Field Airport, the decision of the pilot to abort the takeoff procedure was taken too late. The airplane overran, struck trees and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and the pilot was seriously injured.

Union Flights

At liftoff, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames by the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed.

Festus Flying Service

On final approach to Hays, while on a cargo flight from Wichita, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in flames few miles from the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.

Wyman Pilot Services

The airplane landed hard on its belly after the pilot forgot to lower the landing gear on approach. Upon touchdown, he decided to initiate a go-around manoeuvre when the cargo shifted as it was not properly secured. The airplane stalled and crashed in flames. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and the pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.

William Catalina

The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Barranquilla to Fort Lauderdale with an intermediate stop on Great Inagua Island. While cruising off the Bahamas coast by night, the pilot declared an emergency after an engine failure and attempted to divert to the nearest airport. Eventually, he was forced to ditch the airplane few miles offshore. Both occupants were rescued while the aircraft sank and was not recovered.

PCD Corporation

During the takeoff roll at McAllen-Miller Airport, one of the engine failed. The pilot abandoned the takeoff procedure and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran, struck a drainage ditch and came to rest. Both occupants were slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Wyman Pilot Services

Shortly after a night takeoff from Rockingham-Hamlet Airport, the twin engine airplane struck wires and crashed in flames in a snow covered field. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.

William Mitchell

At liftoff, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height, stalled and crashed in flames. All 10 skydivers escaped, one of them was injured. Unfortunately, the pilot was killed.

Flight Express Cargo

Shortly after takeoff from Pittsburgh-Intl Airport, while climbing, the right engine failed. The pilot-in-command initiated a right turn and attempted to return to the airport when the airplane stalled and crashed in flames in a residential area located in Coraopolis, about three miles northeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were seriously injured. There were no injuries on the ground.

Michael D. McGee

While descending to DuPage Airport by night, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with low ceiling and fog. On final approach, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames few miles short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all seven occupants have been killed. At the time of the accident, the tower was closed and both approach lights and runway lights were OFF.

Semo Aviation

While cruising by night under VFR mode, the pilot's attention diverted from operation and he failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck trees and crashed near Troy. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Great Western Airlines

En route on a night cargo flight from Tulsa to Kansas City, the pilot contacted ATC and declared an emergency after the right engine failed in flight. He reduced his altitude in an attempt to make an emergency landing when the left engine lost power. The aircraft eventually hit trees and crashed in flames in a prairie. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Carson Helicopters

While taking off from Ann Arbor in poor weather conditions with snow falls and low ceiling, the pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in a field. All five occupants were evacuated and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The aircraft was not deiced prior to departure.

Metro Air System

While cruising by night in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, spiraled to the ground and crashed in an open field located near Elkton. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 11 occupants were killed.

Scientific Company

Shortly after takeoff from runway 21 at Grand Canyon-National Park Airport, while in initial climb by night, the crew initiated a right turn when the airplane struck tree tops and crashed in flames. The airplane was totally destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Rambar Aviation

While approaching Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport by night, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck tree tops and crashed 3 miles short of runway. All seven occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

North Air

While approaching Kenai, the crew encountered icing conditions. During a last turn to join the approach path, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed few km short of runway. All nine occupants were injured, four of them seriously.

D. L. Peterson Trust

While cruising under VFR mode in foggy conditions, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain shrouded in clouds and located in the region of Weston. The aircraft was destroyed and all seven occupants have been killed.

Saudi Binladin Group

The Saudi businessman Mohammed bin Ladin who created the Saudi Binladin Group in 1931 arrived at Khamis Mushait Airport with his Hawkey Siddeley HS.121 and was forced to change and to take his Beechcraft 18 to continue to Usran which was not equipped with any aerodrome. The goal of his trip was to inspect the different works under progress in the region. While approaching Usran, some 45 km southeast of Khamis Mushait, the twin engine airplane was too low and struck the slope of a mountain and was destroyed. Both occupants were killed, the pilot and Mohammed bin Ladin.

SLM Surinam Airways - Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij

Crashed on landing at Kabalebo Airstrip. There were no casualties but the JATO equipped aircraft was written off.

Private American

While cruising under VFR mode in clouds, the pilot lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed in flames near Toadlena. All four occupants were killed and the aircraft was totally destroyed.