Beechcraft H18

Monarch Air Group

The airplane's right engine experienced a complete loss of power immediately after takeoff and the airplane began to slow. The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 91 feet above ground level and then entered an uncontrolled descent consistent with the onset of a velocity minimum control (VMC) roll to the right. No evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions with either the engine or airframe was discovered, and evidence at the scene indicated that the landing gear had been retracted and the right engine propeller feathered. Examination of the cockpit revealed the right engine fuel selector was positioned between the "60 GAL RIGHT AUX" detent and the "RIGHT ENG OFF" detent. Examination of the fuel system between the selector and the right engine indicated that it was in this position prior to impact. Also, placards next to the fuel selectors stated, "WARNING POSITION SELECTORS IN DETENTS ONLY. NO FUEL FLOW TO ENGINES BETWEEN DETENTS." The pilot loaded the majority of the cargo and performed the weight and balance calculations. Examination of the fuselage revealed that all six cargo bins were full. The investigation also discovered that the furthest aft bin contained 265 pounds of cargo even though placarded for a maximum of 75 pounds. All other bins were loaded considerably below their maximum weight limits. Weight and balance calculations revealed the information listed on the weight and balance form produced by the pilot was erroneous and that the actual center of gravity (CG) of the airplane was rear of the aft CG limit, which would have created instability in the handling characteristics of the airplane, especially after a loss of engine power. In addition, the aft-of-limit CG would have increased the airspeed needed to prevent the airplane from entering a VMC roll. Performance calculations indicate that with the right engine having lost power immediately after takeoff, the airplane would most likely not have been able to continue the departure on one operating engine.

Bygone Aviation

Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing which included an AIRMET for IFR conditions and an AIRMET for icing that was "just off to the north." According to air traffic control (ATC) information, the en route portion of the flight was uneventful. ATC cleared the pilot for an ILS approach to runway 35, and the pilot acknowledged the approach clearance. When the airplane reached the outer marker ATC approved the pilot for a frequency change to the common traffic advisory frequency. The pilot acknowledged the frequency change, and no further communications were received from the pilot by ATC. Witnesses observed the airplane approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl) on a northwesterly heading, west of runway 35. The airplane then entered a climbing left turn to the south and disappeared into the overcast cloud layer. Shortly thereafter, the witness observed the airplane in a "20 degree nose down, wings level attitude" on a southeasterly heading. The witness then lost sight of the airplane due to hangars obstructing his view. At the time of the accident, the witness stated that the ceiling was approximately 500 foot overcast with mist. The published missed approach procedure instructed the pilot to initiate a climbing left turn to a fix and hold. Examination of the accident site revealed the airplane impacted the terrain in a right wing, nose-low attitude. No ground impact marks were noted except in the immediate vicinity of the wing leading edges, engines, and propeller assemblies. The flaps and landing gear were in the extended position. The leading edge surfaces of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers revealed 1/4 to 1/2 inches of clear ice. The upper fuselage antenna displayed 1/4 to 1/2 inches of clear ice. Local authorities reported observing a "layer of ice" on the leading edges of both wings when they arrived to the accident site. Examination of the airframe and engines revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.

Eureka Operating Company

A witness reported hearing the distinctive sound of a radial engine just before the crash, and right after that a loud crashing noise. The witness observed a large cloud of dust forming, subsequently saw the plane parts scattering from west to east across the pasture, and then observed the fuselage come to rest. A second witness saw the airplane hit the ground and a cloud of dust form about one-quarter of a mile long and as high as a highline wire. The witness said that after the dust settled he saw scattered plane parts, a highline wire down, and a wing part spilling fuel. The witness also stated that the airplane was traveling from west to east and looked horizontal at impact At 12:59:57, approximately 10 minutes prior to the time of the accident, air traffic control radar identified a target 8 nautical miles northwest of the accident site at an altitude of 5,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). However, this target could not be positively identified as the accident airplane. A postmortem examination of the pilot by a Medical Investigator reported significant natural disease findings included coronary atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), and chronic thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). Both of these diseases can cause sudden cardiac problems including an arrhythmia or heart attack.

Commuter Air Philippines

The twin engine aircraft departed Taytay-Sandoval-Cesar Lim Rodriguez Airport on a charter flight to Manila, carrying one passenger and two pilots. While approaching Manila, the left engine failed. The crew informed ATC about his situation and continued the descent to Manila when, shortly later, the right engine lost power. Unable to maintain the assigned altitude, the crew attempted to ditch the aircraft in the bay of Manila, about 3 km offshore. The aircraft floated for few minutes, allowing all three occupants to evacuate the cabin. Few minutes later, the aircraft sank and all three occupants were rescued. The wreckage was not recovered.

Polynesian Airways

The airplane was loaded with mail & freight within 57 lbs of its max takeoff weight limit. No malfunction was noted during start or taxi. The pilot made a near-midfield intersection departure from runway 08L at 0622:35 local time. Seconds earlier, a Boeing 747 had completed its landing roll-out on runway 4R, which crossed runway 8L near its departure end. Winds were from 285° at 2 kts. The pilot and loader (a private pilot) said nothing unusual occurred during takeoff until the aircraft climbed to 100 feet agl, then 'suddenly the airplane yawed to the left as though the left engine had lost power.' Despite use of full right rudder, directional control was lost, and the pilot decreased the pitch attitude because of 'severe yawing and rolling tendencies.' The airplane's left wing tip impacted the right side of the runway, the tricycle gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop and was consumed by fire. Due to fire damage and lack of accurate records, neither the total fuel load, the freight's actual weight, the cargo's preimpact location within the aircraft, nor the adequacy of the cargo tie down system could be validated. Weight and balance documents filed with the FAA were at variance with 'duplicate' documents held by the operator. Exam of the engines did not reveal evidence of a preimpact failure. Propeller ground scars on the runway indicated both engines were operating during impact. The accident occurred during the pilot's last flight as an employee with the company.

PacificAir - Pacific Airways

Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, one of the engine failed. The aircraft lost height and crashed near the airport. All four occupants were injured.

Piedmont Air Cargo

The commercial pilot was on a part 135 cargo flight. Since the destination airport had no weather reporting facility, company policy and far 135 required a VFR descent and landing from the MVA. The pilot requested and received clearance for a localizer approach to the airport, although a nearby airport was reporting 400' broken/3 miles with fog. The pilot reported to ATC that he had missed his first approach, and requested a second approach to the same airport. After executing the missed approach, the aircraft impacted mountainous terrain while aligned with the extended centerline of the localizer. Cap personnel reported that the accident site was obscured in clouds at the time of the accident. The investigation revealed that the aircraft descended about 1,500 feet below a minimum altitude on the first approach attempt. Mode c altitude data was lost during the missed approach. Four years earlier, this pilot descended below glidepath on an ILS approach and crashed into trees with weather below approach minimums. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Polynesian Airways

The pilot said that the approach to the airport was normal, with a 100 knot indicated airspeed. The pilot said the winds were about 110° at 10 knots during the approach; however, on short final he encountered a very strong gust from the right. The pilot corrected for the wind gust then it stopped and the aircraft suddenly dropped hard to the runway without warning. The pilot said he suspected a windshear encounter was responsible for the accident. Witnesses said the approach seemed normal when the aircraft suddenly dropped to the runway and bounced. The witnesses said that a thunderstorm had passed through the area just prior to the aircraft's approach.

Scenic Air Tours

Scenic Air Tours flight 21 (Beech H18, N34AP) was on an air taxi, sightseeing flight from Hilo to Kahului, HI. The pilot took off at approximately 1300 hst. After takeoff, flight 21 proceeded northwest along the coastline at an altitude of about 2,000 feet. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a scenic canyon area near a waterfall in Waipio Valley, approximately 50 miles northeast of Hilo. Impact occurred at an elevation of about 2,800 feet, approximately 600 to 900 feet below the rim. No preimpact mechanical problem of the aircraft or engines was found. A passenger, who was on a previous sightseeing flight, reported the pilot had maneuvered below the rim of a canyon. Company officials reported that flying below rims of canyons was against company policy; however, the operations manual did not contain any guidance or cautions about such operations. All 11 occupants were killed.

ACE Air Cargo Express

The cargo flight departed Cincinnati en route to Wichita, KS with an intermediate stop at Kansas City Downtown Airport. The flight progressed normally to a VOR runway 03 instrument approach, circling to runway 01. The pic had been cleared to commence the approach. Tower personnel subsequently advised the pic of a low altitude alert, to which the pic responded he had ground contact. The pic subsequently declared a missed approach, then said, 'I got it all right,' and he requested a 360° turn and landing on runway 01. Witnesses observed the aircraft approach from the west at a low altitude. Then, while over airport property, the aircraft turned sharply. The left wing dropped quickly as the aircraft banked nearly 90°. The aircraft impacted the ramp area 400 feet right of runway 01, in front of a fixed base operator and burst into flames. The aircraft slid about 200 feet before coming to a stop. The company chief pilot stated that the pic was deficient in VOR approaches. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Smith Air

The commercial pilot was on a repositioning flight from Kenosha, Wisconsin to Atlanta, Georgia, after having been without sleep for about 20 hours. Witnesses observed the aircraft circling a subdivision near Rockford, Illinois at a low altitude, just above the treetops. The aircraft was in a steep left bank, described as 70-90°, when it reversed direction into a steep right bank and descended into the trees. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

ACE Air Cargo Express

The aircraft suffered a right landing gear leg breakage due to a fracture in the area where the fork assembly separated during landing roll. The pilot, sole on board, was uninjured.

ACE Air Cargo Express

The aircraft collided with the ground after stalling during takeoff. Witnesses reported that the aircraft pitched up in two increments, climbed sharply to about 200 feet agl, stalled dropped the right wing and descended, impacting the ground in a flat attitude.

Starflight

Atr pilot departing airport under VMC experienced failure of the right engine shortly after lift-off. The aircraft yawed right followed by a steep right roll, contacting power lines with the right wing and subsequently impacted the ground. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft with the exception of both engines and a portion of the right wing panel. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft caused by blockage of oil jet due to fod. Oil line from scavenge sump to scavenge pump inlet had been replaced prior to accident. The aircraft had experienced maintenance problem (oil leak) approximately 2 weeks prior to accident. Source of fod is undetermined. Both occupants were killed.

Phoenix Air - USA

The flight had not yet been scheduled when the pilot retired for the evening at 2230 to 2300 est. At 0230, he was awoken and notified to make a night cargo flight. The owner obtained a weather briefing and filed a flight plan, then briefed the pilot later. The pilot arrived at the airport at 0430. He preflighted the aircraft while the owner updated the weather briefing. The aircraft was cleared as filed with a clearance void time of 0500; the clearance was radioed to the pilot by unicom. During takeoff, at 0510, the aircraft was observed climbing northbound to aprx 800 feet agl in moderate snowfall with the landing light on. A short time later, the aircraft crashed approximately one mile northeast of the airport while in a steep nose down, right wing low attitude. No pre- impact part failure/malfunction was found. Reportedly, when the pilot 1st hired on, he exaggerated his flight experience; he had problems with instrument flying and was not scheduled for flights in marginal weather; and he was given extra help. At the time of the accident, snow was falling, mixed icing was forecast in clouds and there was a sigmet for moderate to severe turbulences below 8,000 feet. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Pacific Air Express - USA

During takeoff at about 50 feet agl and 4,000 feet down runway 04R, the right engine lost power. According to the pilot, his airspeed was 105 mph and the right engine 'popped' before it lost power. He also stated that power on the left engine deteriorated after the the right prop was feathered. The aircraft went into a right bank and the pilot maintained control of the aircraft until impact with the water. Examination of the right engine revealed that the right magneto, american bosch sb9ru-3, ser #b88470, was not timed correctly. Disassembly of the magneto revealed that all except 11 distributor gear teeth were stripped off. At the time of the power loss of the right engine, about 5,000 feet of rwy was remaining.

Sair Aviation

The pilot landed on the ice and snow covered runway after loading 1,512 lbs of cargo in freezing drizzle conditions, he taxied for takeoff for an IFR departure shortly after rotation, the right wing dropped and the aircraft touched down back on the runway. Visual exam of the aircraft revealed ice accumulations on the leading edges and upper wing surfaces. The pilot attempted to get deice equipment, which was not available. The pilot was offered use of a hangar which he declined. The airport manager was en route to check runway condition for plowing the ice and snow covered runway when the pilot returned to the aircraft. An unsuccessful attempt was made to remove ice from the leading edges by hand. The pilot decided to attempt another takeoff and at this time was almost 1/2 hour beyond his scheduled departure time. Liftoff was approximately 1/5 of way down and after flying at 50 feet agl initiated climb. After attaining an altitude of several hundred feet, the aircraft stalled and descended uncontrolled to impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire and the pilot was fatally injured.

Aero Taxi - USA

While en route, the pilot encountered icing conditions, then reported he was unable to maintain altitude and was having engine problems. He diverted toward Allentown, PA, then advised he had lost power in the left engine. Approach control began issuing vectors for a VOR approach; however, the pilot advised he was unable to open his approach plates and requested a surveillance radar approach. Radar vectors and advisories were provided until the pilot reported he had the airport in sight. Several witnesses observed that the left prop was feathered as the aircraft approached the airport. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to a left downwind for runway 24 at about 400 feet agl with the landing gear extended. Witnesses reported the aircraft's nose pitch up, then down, then the aircraft rolled to the left and crashed. In a trailer court it hit a mobile home and a propane tank and burned. A person in the mobile home was fatally injured. An exam of the wreckage revealed the left prop blades were at the low pitch stops. No preimpact failures were found.

Panorama Air Tour

About one minute after takeoff, between 400-500 feet msl and during the first power reduction, the right engine backfired. Following some more violent backfires the rpm went to zero. The right engine was restarted but the same result occurred. The pilot attempted to feather the right prop but to no avail. The aircraft was then deliberately ditched to avoid an outcropping of lava. The aircraft came to rest in about 25-30 feet of water. Engine inspection revealed that the #2 cylinder exhaust rocker arm shaft, p/n45937, was missing. Drive train continuity was established with the exception of the #2 exhaust valve. Centrifugal stops prevent feathering of the prop below an engine speed of 500 rpm. All 10 occupants were rescued.

Western States Express

Just after liftoff from runway 29R, the aircraft began to pitch up. As the pitch up progressed, the pilot applied right aileron and full right rudder. The aircraft responded by rolling to the right with the nose falling thru. Subsequently, the pilot was able to pull out before the aircraft hit the ground. It collided with a 6 feet wire fence which tore off the engines and caused the aircraft to rotate clockwise on the ground. Cargo in the aircraft was thrown thru the side of the fuselage. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury. The aircraft immediately burst into flames and the fuselage was badly burned. An investigation revealed that 2,989 lbs of freight plus a 359 lb motorcycle were being carried between bulkheads 5 & 11. The bulkhead loads were limited to 450 lbs (5-8) and 300 lbs (8-10). The max gross weight at takeoff was estimated to be 10,310 lbs. The pilot reported that none of the freight was tied down.

Joseph P. Navik

On approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport by night, while completing touch-and-go manoeuvres, the pilot decided to make a go-around. With gear down and in full flaps configuration, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.

Moonlight Express

En route on a cargo flight from New York-LaGuardia Airport to Pittsburgh, while cruising by night in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed on a mountain located near Troxelville, Pennsylvania. The wreckage was found three days later and the pilot, sole on board, was killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was reduced due to foggy conditions and weather was poor with icing conditions.

National Bumper Exchange

The twin engine airplane was engaged in an illegal (contraband) flight. En route, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing due to a fuel exhaustion. The aircraft crash landed in Paraguachón, near the Colombia - Venezuela border. Both occupants escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Allen County Airlines

The pilot departed Iola Airport in poor weather conditions on a cargo flight to Olathe-Johnson County Airport. En route, communication systems (transmitter/receiver) failed and on approach, the pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in a field. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Larry Johnson Air Services

Few minutes after a night takeoff from Brownsville Airport, while climbing in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed in flames three miles from the airfield. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. He was en route to Springfield, Missouri, on a cargo flight.

Astro Airways

On approach to Saint Louis-Downtown Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility with low ceiling and icing conditions. Too low, the twin engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in Centreville, near the airport. Three passengers were killed while three other occupants were injured.

Galaxy Aviation

While approaching Wrangell on a pleasure flight from Ketchikan, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. At an altitude of 3,000 feet, the twin engine airplane struck a mountain and crashed. The wreckage was found few hours later and all six occupants were killed.

Flight Service

While in normal cruise, the pilot informed ATC about the failure of the left engine. He was able to feather the propeller but unable to maintain a safe altitude as the aircraft was heavy. The twin engine airplane later crashed into the ocean. SAR operations were conducted but eventually abandoned after few days as no trace of the aircraft nor the pilot was found.

Misener Marine

On approach to Saint Augustine Airport, the passenger reported to ATC that pilot had no control over aircraft after controls frozen. The airplane went out of control and crashed in flames, killing both occupants. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire, precluding determination of cause.

Fontana Aviation

During a night approach to Iron Mountain Airport, the pilot descended below the MDA when the twin engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located few hundred yards short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

On approach to Salvador-Dois de Julho Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed few km short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.

Fontana Aviation

On a night approach to Iron Mountain-Ford Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions and very limited visibility. On final, he failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck a dirt bank and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Island Air USA

While flying in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located northwest of Hilo. The wreckage was found a day later and all 11 occupants have been killed.

Williams Patent Crusher %26 Pulverizer Company

On final approach to Bloomington Airport, the pilot lost control of the airplane that nosed down and crashed in flames few hundred yards short of runway threshold. The twin engine aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.

Niles Machine

During the takeoff roll at Marco Island Airport, the pilot decided to abort for unknown reason. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine airplane overran and collided with a small concrete wall before coming to rest. While both occupants were slightly injured, the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Mercury Aircraft

On approach to Charlottesville Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with fog, low ceiling and rain showers. Unable to locate the runway, he decided to initiate a go-around when he lost control of the airplane that nosed down and crashed few dozen yards short of runway. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

All Nippon Airways

Crashed in unknown circumstances at Omura AFB while completing a training flight. There were no casualties.

All Nippon Airways

Crashed in unknown circumstances at Nagoya Airport while completing a training flight. There were no casualties.

Texize Chemicals

On final approach to Norwich-Lieutenant Eaton Airport, one of the engine failed. The crew increased power on the remaining engine when the airplane stalled and crashed in an open field. Both occupants were quickly rescued while the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Private American

The twin engine airplane owned by the American Singer Otis Redding was flying from Cleveland to Madison, carrying Otis Redding's band 'Bar-Kays'. While approaching Madison-Blackhawk Airport, the aircraft went out of control, nosed down and crashed into Lake Monoma. The wreckage was found three miles short of runway and a passenger was rescued while seven other occupants were killed, among them Otis Redding aged 26. The only survivor was Ben Cauley.

Japan Airlines

The crew (one instructor and three student pilots) was completing a local training flight at Yamagata Airport. While approaching the airfield from the north, the airplane suffered and engine failure. The instructor elected to make an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in flames in a field located in Murayama, about 11 km north of the airport. All four crew members were slightly injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

L. C. Cassidy %26 Son

Shortly after takeoff from Cincinnati-Lunken Field Airport, while in initial climb, the pilot informed ATC about the failure of the left engine. He elected to make an emergency landing in a field when control was lost. The airplane crashed in a field located near the runway end. All four occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.