Cessna 404 Titan

Sarah Express Airways

Aero Hire

The twin engine aircraft departed Cairns on a charter flight to Lockhart River, carrying workers for the government. While descending to Lockhart River, the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions with rain falls and strong winds. A first approach to Lockhart River was abandoned and the pilot was forced to initiate a go-around. Few minutes later, while in a second attempt to land, the aircraft crashed on the Claudie Beach located about 4 km southeast of Lockhart River. All five occupants were killed.

Go Comores

Shortly after takeoff from Moroni-Prince Saïd Ibrahim-Hahaya Airport, while climbing, the pilot encountered an unexpected situation and apparently attempted an emergency landing when the twin engine airplane struck the ground past the runway end and came to rest inverted. All 11 occupants were evacuated, a passenger and the pilot were injured. The aircraft was partially destroyed by a post crash fire.

Private Venezuelan

After landing at Roseau-Canefield, the pilot encountered difficulties to stop the aircraft that overran. It collided with a fence and came to rest against various obstacles. All seven occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Key Lime Air

The pilot was conducting an early morning repositioning flight of the cargo airplane. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he had “lost an engine” and would return to the airport. Several witnesses reported that the engines were running rough and one witness reported that he did not hear any engine sounds just before the impact. The airplane impacted trees, a wooden enclosure, a chain-linked fence, and shrubs in a residential area and was damaged by the impact and postimpact fire. The airplane had been parked outside for 5 days before the accident flight and had been plugged in to engine heaters the night before the flight. It was dark and snowing lightly at the time of the accident. The operator reported that no deicing services were provided before the flight and that the pilot mechanically removed all of the snow and ice accumulation. The wreckage and witness statements were consistent with the airplane being in a right-winglow descent but the airplane did not appear to be out of control. Neither of the propellers were at or near the feathered position. The emergency procedures published by the manufacturer for a loss of engine power stated that pilots should first secure the engine and feather the propeller following a loss of engine power and then turn the fuel selector for that engine to “off.” The procedures also cautioned that continued flight might not be possible if the propeller was not feathered. The right fuel selector valve and panel were found in the off position. Investigators were not able to determine why an experienced pilot did not follow the emergency procedures and immediately secure the engine following the loss of engine power. It is not known how much snow and ice had accumulated on the airplane leading up to the accident flight or if the pilot was successful in removing all of the snow and ice with only mechanical means. The on-scene examination of the wreckage and the teardown of both engines did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. While possible, it could not be determined if water or ice ingestion lead to the loss of engine power at takeoff.

African Medical Research Foundation

Shortly after takeoff from a remote airstrip in Merugwayi, while flying in bad weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft crashed in a wilderness located in Kapingiro, near Merugwayi. All seven occupants were injured, the copilot aged 23 seriously. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Among passengers were several doctors who provided medical services to locals leaving in the remote district.

Kenya Police Air Wing

The crew was completing a local training at Nairobi-Wilson Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. One pilot was killed while the second one was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Gum Air

Few minutes after takeoff from Paramaribo-Zorg en Hoop Airport, the pilot encountered engine problems and elected to make an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed and came to rest in bushes located in Gusterie. There were no injuries but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Showa Aviation

The twin engine aircraft departed Nagoya Airport at 0846LT on an aerial photography mission over the Mt Ena and Gifu district. Several circuits were completed over the area of Mt Ena at various altitudes and in good weather conditions. Approaching Mt Ena at an altitude of about 2,000 metres, weather conditions worsened as the mountain was shrouded in clouds. While flying under VFR mode, the aircraft entered clouds, collided with a tree and crashed in a wooded area. The copilot (a mechanic) was seriously injured while both other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.

Airlink Papua New Guinea

Following an uneventful flight, the pilot started the approach to Goroka Airport in poor weather conditions. After landing on runway 17R, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran and came to rest few dozen metres further. All four occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.