Cessna 411

Private Mexican

Few minutes after takeoff from Guadalajara-Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Airport, the crew informed ATC about technical problems and elected to make an emergency landing. While approaching a pasture, the twin engine airplane collided with a powerline and crashed, bursting into flames. Both pilots and two cows in the field were killed, and all four passengers were seriously injured (burns). Three days later, one of the survivor died from his injuries.

William F. Holdgate

The pilot purchased the multiengine airplane about 18 months prior to the accident, and was conducting his first flight in the airplane, as he flew it from Georgia to Massachusetts. While en route, the airplane experienced a failure of the left engine. The airplane began maneuvering near an airport, as its groundspeed decreased from 173 miles per hour (mph) to 90 mph, 13 mph below the minimum single engine control speed. A witness reported that the airplane appeared to be attempting to land, when it banked to the left, and descended to the ground. The airplane impacted on a road, about 3 miles east-southeast of the airport. A 3-inch, by 2.5- inch hole was observed on the top of the left engine crankcase, and streaks of oil were present on the left gear door, left flap, and the left side of the fuselage. The number two connecting rod was fractured and heat distressed. The number 2 piston assembly was seized in the cylinder barrel. The airplane had been operated about 30 hours, during the 6 years prior to the accident, and it had not been flown since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 16 months prior to the accident. In addition, both engines were being operated beyond the manufacturer's recommended time between overhaul limits. The pilot did not possess a multiengine airplane rating. He attended an airplane type specific training course about 20 months prior to the accident. At that time, he reported 452 hours of total flight experience, with 0 hours of multiengine flight experience.

Private Mexican

The twin engine departed Tijuana Airport at 0800LT on a flight to Guaymas with two pilots on board. On approach, the aircraft impacted a wooded mountain located 32 km short of runway. Both occupants were killed.

M3 Services

The multiengine airplane impacted terrain shortly after departing from the airport. The airplane began the initial climb after liftoff and initially maintained a track along the extended runway centerline. Witnesses indicated that about 1 mile into the initial climb, the aircraft began to make erratic yawing maneuvers and the engines began to emit smoke. The airplane rolled to the left and dove toward the ground, erupting into fire upon impact. Prior to the accident, the pilot had reportedly been having mechanical problems with the fuel tank bladder installations and had attempted to install new ones. He was performing his own maintenance on the airplane in an attempt to rectify the problem. The day before the accident, the pilot told his hangar mate that he took the airplane on a test flight and experienced mechanical problems with an engine. Neither the nature of the engine problems nor the actions to resolve the discrepancies could be determined. On site examination of the thermally destroyed wreckage disclosed evidence consistent with the right engine producing significantly more power than the left engine at ground impact. The extent of the thermal destruction precluded any determination regarding the fuel selector positions, the positions for the boost pump switches, or the fuel tanks/lines.

Roger L. Maino

The pilot lost control of his twin engine airplane and collided with terrain while returning to the departure airport after reporting an engine problem. Shortly after takeoff, about 4,000 feet msl, the pilot reported to ATC that he had an engine problem and would return to the airport. The radar plot reveals a steady descent of the airplane from 4,000 feet msl to the accident site, approximately 2 miles from the designated airport. Ground witnesses reported that they saw the airplane flying very low, about 500 feet agl, seconds prior to the accident apparently heading toward the departure airport. The witnesses reported consistent observations of the airplane "wobbling," then going into a steep knife-edge left bank before it dove into the ground. Witnesses at the airport said that the pilot sought out help in getting his radios operating prior to takeoff, telling the witness, "it's been four and a half months since I've been in an airplane, I can't even figure out how to put the radios back in." No fueling records were found for the airplane at the departure airport. The last documented fueling of the airplane was on October 31, 2002, with the addition of 56.2 gallons. Witnesses reported that the airplane did not take on any fuel immediately prior to the flight on May 4th. The flight was the first flight since the airplane received its annual inspection 2 months prior to the accident, and, it was the pilot's first flight after 4 months of inactivity. It is a common practice for maintenance personnel to pull the landing light circuit breakers during maintenance to prevent the fuel transfer pumps, which are wired through the landing light system, from operating continuously. The fuel transfer pumps move fuel from the forward part of the main fuel tank to the center baffle area where it is picked up and routed to the engine. It is conceivable that these circuit breakers were not reset by the pilot for this flight. Wreckage examination revealed a post accident fire on the right wing of the airplane and no fire on the left wing. Additionally, only a small amount of fuel was identified around the left wing tanks after the accident, and no hydraulic deformation was observed to the left main tank or the internal baffles. The landing gear bellcrank indicates that the landing gear was in the down position. The engine and propeller post impact signatures indicate that the left engine was operating at a low power setting (wind milling), while the right engine and propeller indicate a high power setting. Disassembly and inspection of the internal propeller hub components showed that the left propeller was not feathered. The left engine is the critical engine and loss of power in that engine would make directional control more difficult at slower speeds. The airplane owners manual states that "climb or continued level flight at a moderate altitude is improbable with the landing gear extended or the propeller windmilling." The single engine flight procedure delineated in the manual dictates a higher than normal altitude for a successful single engine landing approach.

Taxi Aéreo Colibri

After takeoff from Uyuni-La Joya Andina Airport, while climbing, the crew encountered engine problems. They attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft crashed near Colchani, about 16 km north of the airport. A pilot was killed while four other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Martin Junge

The airplane impacted the terrain following a loss of control during a takeoff initial climb. A witness stated the airplane was noisier than what he is used to hearing. This witness reported the airplane was in a steep left bank in a level pitch attitude. The airplane then began to descent rapidly as it turned to a northerly heading. The witness reported the airplane then seemed to enter a right bank prior to impacting the ground. Another witness reported what sounded like an engine backfire. The pilot reported the airplane lost power. Torsional twisting was visible on the propeller blades following the accident. Following the accident, the undamaged emergency exit from the airplane was found next to the runway. The latching mechanism on the exit was not damaged and the pins were not found with the exit. It was reported that the airplane had sat on the ramp at the departure airport for at least 15 years without being flown. Although the registration for the airplane had not been changed, the pilot reportedly purchased it shortly before the accident. The pilot did not hold a multi-engine rating.

Conrad Ramaker

Pilot stated left engine lost power followed by the right engine. He initiated a left turn back to the airport but did not shutdown engines in accordance with emergency procedures. The acft yawed left and fell off on the left wing as if it had stalled. He regained partial control and aimed for a street. Acft hit roof of house while in right bank and then cartwheeled across the street. Left engine was found to have severe detonation damage and the turbocharger waste gate door was missing antivibration spring. The pin connecting the door and actuator was failed. Evidence indicated pin had failed prior to accident flight. Soot inside left wastegate indicated door had been fully closed for sometime. No evidence to indicate failure or malfunction of the right engine was found and right propeller showed damage indicative of rotation under power at ground impact.

Robert Seale

The aircraft had recently been returned to service after 5 years in storage. On this flight, it was being used to transport two political candidates on their campaign itinerary. During takeoff from runway 03, the right engine lost power on the initial climb and the aircraft descended and crashed about 2 miles southeast of the airport. The pilot did not complete the emergency procedure for an engine failure. There was evidence that he did not feather the propeller, did not bank into the good engine, and did not close the cowl flaps on the inoperative engine. An exam of the right engine disclosed overheating and erosion of the #1 & #4 pistons, which resulted in holes in the top edges of the pistons. Also, there were clogged fuel injectors, contamination and corrosion of the fuel injector pump, and contamination and partial obstruction of the manifold valve. Additionally, the absolute pressure control of the turbocharger was found to be incorrectly adjusted. The pilot's medical certificate was dated 8/13/86.

William J. Brien

Witnesses stated that the aircraft was climbing and just after takeoff, the left wing dropped, the aircraft then leveled off, climbed approximately 75 more feet. The aircraft then abruptly turned hard left and went straight in, striking a wall surrounding a swimming pool, burst into flames and was consumed by post crash fire. Examination of the left engine revealed evidence that suggests that water was ingested into the cylinders prior to impact. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Whitby Airways

On approach to Oshawa Airport, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in a house. Both pilots were seriously injured while both persons into the house were unhurt.

Private American

The pilot reportedly did an unusual amount of engine run-up before pulling onto the runway. He then performed another run-up before departing. This is evidence that he was aware of a problem with his aircraft. The engine(s) were popping and puffing black smoke during the ground run. Yet, the takeoff was continued. The popping and smoke puffing continued after liftoff. A noticeable loss of airspeed occurred during the climbout. The aircraft started the third roll (into the bad engine) before finally going inverted. The aircraft's allowable gross weight was exceeded by at least 205 pounds at takeoff, however, the center of gravity remained within its specified limits. Internal examination of the right engine exhibited evidence that it had operated at sometime on a mixture of gasoline and jet fuel. All six occupants were killed.

Peter H. Whitem

The pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 35, the aircraft encountered 'extreme windshift' and was blown about 550 feet right of course with a 30 knot loss of airspeed (from 130 to 100 knots). He stated the aircraft lost about 300 feet, then was blown back on course with an additional loss of altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft touched down hard on the approach end of the runway. During touchdown, the right main tire blew out, the right propeller struck the runway 9 times and the right wing was damaged. The surface wind was reported to be from 240° at 10 knots with no gusts. All four occupants escaped uninjured.

Private American

Crashed following an engine failure at takeoff. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

VSM Corporation

The aircraft crashed while on an ILS approach to the Gainsville Airport. Investigation revealed that the pilot had advised approach control that he was 'low on fuel.' After two missed approaches the pilot radioed that he was 'out of fuel.' The pilot did not have charts or approach plates aboard the aircraft, however ATC was not aware of this factor. Attempts to acquire additional information from the pilot have been unsuccessful. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Bertram E. Weech

The aircraft crashed while maneuvering at low airspeed and altitude right after takeoff. The pilot said the left engine started losing power intermittently at 90 knots. The pilot had rotated the aircraft and tried to continue the takeoff. He was cleared to land on any runway and in attempting a turn with landing gear and partial flaps extended control was lost and a crash occurred. The aircraft flight manual states that if an engine fails below 105 mph the takeoff should be aborted. An on scene examination revealed no evidence to suggest a pre-impact failure or malfunction. Both propellers showed evidence of torsional overload damage. When the engines were further examined the left engine fuel strainer was partially clogged with dirt. During a run-up test the left engine would not develop more than 23 inches hg. At 2,750 rpm and magneto rpm drop was erratic. The engine would not run with the aux fuel boost pump off. The reason for the low power output was a disconnected pressure line for the turbocharger which appeared to have been disconnected for some time. All five occupants were injured, two of them seriously.

SAT Aerotaxi

Shortly after takeoff from Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed in a field. The pilot and a passenger were injured while four other occupants were killed.

Private American

The pilot requested an instrument approach to the airport and advised approach control (a/c) that he did not have an approach plate for the airport. A/c cleared the aircraft for an NDB approach to runway 24 and read the approach information to the pilot. When the pilot reported procedure turn inbound a/c advised the pilot he was approx 4 miles south of the final approach course and gave him a new heading to correct back to the airport. Radar contact was then lost over the airport but reappeared approx 1/2 mile west of the airport and appeared to be making a turn back to the airport. The wreckage was found about 4 miles west of the airport. Both occupants were killed.

Bright Maintenance Corporation

The pilot attempted a takeoff on a wet turf runway and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft left the runway and collided with trees. Sometime later the aircraft caught fire. The pilot did not cut the switches off. The origin or destination of the flight is unknown and the owner has not been located.

Harry Noe

The aircraft was the second aircraft of a flight of two. The lead aircraft had received radio clearance for takeoff. The lead aircraft was to proceed to a visual checkpoint northwest of the airport and wait for this aircraft to join up. Witnesses observed the aircraft depart runway 17 and remain at low altitude. A left turn was completed with the aircraft passing over the witnesses at low altitude. They saw the pilot looking from side to side just prior to the aircraft colliding with a radio tower/antenna. The aircraft crashed and the pilot, sole on board was killed.

Chester Air

The purpose of the flight was to prepare for a FAA part 135 air taxi check ride which was scheduled later that week. The aircraft was observed during the approach with one engine shut down. During the turn to final the aircraft crashed half a mile from runway 28. All five occupants were killed.

Private American

While cruising by night on a flight from Ozark, Alabama, to Augusta, Georgia, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in a residential area, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. There were no casualties on ground.

Burt H. Clubb

Crashed near the end of an unlighted and isolated road on a moonlight night while completing a contraband flight from Colombia. The twin engine airplane struck trees, crashed and burst into flames. Both occupants were killed.

Kara Leasing Group

After takeoff from Pompano Beach Airport, while climbing, the right engine surged. The airplane stalled and crashed into the sea close to the shore. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was written off.

Private American

While in cruising altitude, one of the engine failed. The pilot lost control of the airplane that stalled and entered a spin. It crashed in a field located near Vineland and exploded on ground. All four occupants were killed.

Volonteer Aviation

After takeoff from Columbus-Port Columbus Airport, while in initial climb, both engines suffered a partial loss of power. The airplane stalled, entered a spin and crashed in flames. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Private Argentinian

While in cruising flight, weather conditions worsened with heavy rain falls. The pilot reduced his altitude in an attempt to make an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in a prairie located near Baradero. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all six occupants were killed. Photos of the crash on http://sanpedroeneltiempo.blogspot.com/2015/06/

Interair Services

En route from Palm Beach to the Turks & Caicos Islands, the pilot encountered technical problems and was forced to ditch the aircraft off The Bahamas. The pilot, sole on board, was rescued while the aircraft sank and was not recovered.

Jacksonville Flying Services

After takeoff from Jacksonville-Executive at Craig Airport, while climbing in marginal weather conditions, the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane that entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. All three occupants were killed. The airplane was completing a special flight to Panama City on behalf of the Sheriff's office.

Viking Air Services

While approaching Kodiak on a taxi flight from King Salmon, the twin engine airplane crashed in unknown circumstances in the Shelikof Strait located off Kodiak. SAR operations were conducted and eventually suspended after few days as no trace of the aircraft nor the three occupants was found.

Leslie L. Sexton

After liftoff, the right engine lost power. The airplane encountered difficulties to gain height, struck tree tops and crashed near the runway end. All six occupants were injured, four of them seriously. The aircraft was destroyed.

James E. Ferguson

While flying by night at an altitude of 11,700 feet, the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located in the region of Santa Fe. The wreckage and all six dead bodies were found a week later, on April 2.

Michael C. Mirk Jr.

While flying in poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in flames in an uninhabited area located in the region of Chilcoot. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Terminal Ice %26 Cold Storage Company

En route from Juneau to Anchorage, while cruising in marginal weather conditions, the pilot reported engine problems when contact was lost. The airplane entered a spin and crashed into the ocean off Yakutat. Few debris and two dead bodies were found. The aircraft sank and was lost.

EA Miller Inc.

Few minutes after takeoff from Santa Ana-John Wayne Airport, from climb to cruise, the twin engine airplane entered adverse weather conditions when control was lost. The airplane entered a dive and crashed near Spring Valley Lake. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all seven occupants were killed. The wreckage was found a day later.

Herman E. Shaw Jr.

The crew was completing a local training flight at Fort Myers Airport. During a simulated single engine approach, the crew initiated a steep turn when the airplane stalled and crashed close to the runway. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and both occupants were killed.

J %26 L Aircraft

While approaching Berz-Macomb Airport, the right engine failed. The pilot lost control of the airplane that entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. Both occupants were killed.

South Florida Airlines

On final approach to Walker Cay Airport, the twin engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Private American

On final approach to San Juan-Isla Grande Airport, the twin engine airplane was too low when it struck the water surface and crashed into the San Juan Bay, few hundred yards short of runway 09. Both occupants were rescued while the aircraft sank.

Evergreen International Airlines

While in cruising altitude on a ferry flight from Flagstaff to Silver City, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in flames near Show Low. The aircraft was totally destroyed and the pilot, sole occupant, was killed.

Ford Construction Company

After takeoff from Memphi Airport, while climbing, the right engine malfunctioned. The pilot elected to return but as he was unable to feather the propeller, he attempted an emergency landing in an open field located few miles from the airport. The aircraft belly landed and slid for dozen yards before coming to rest. All six occupants were injured, three of them seriously. The aircraft was written off.

Agrocom Servicios Aéreos

Shortly after takeoff from Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed in a residential area located in González Catán, about 8 km northwest of the airfield. The airplane was destroyed and both occupants were killed. There were no injuries on the ground.

Paul B. Jatkoe

While in cruising altitude over Virginia by night, the crew encountered icing conditions and requested a higher altitude but this was denied. Few minutes later, the twin engine airplane entered a dive and crashed in a near vertical attitude in a field located in Wise. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all seven occupants were killed.

Tulakes Aviation Company

At about 0530LT, the aircraft was fired upon by soldiers of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as it was attempting to take off from the Braco Airfield near Discovery Bay. The plane crashed and burned at the edge of the runway. The occupants escaped the fire but the pilot was seriously injured as the passenger was slightly wounded. According to the JDF, the pilot was attempting to take off shortly after he had landed and after the JDF had ordered him to halt. The aircraft was fired upon only after it had refused to obey the order and after it had run the JDF men off the runway. The JDF found several thousands US$ in cash on the two Americans and a load Smith & Wesson revolver. He was later reported that the aircraft had an engine trouble en route from Turks & Caicos Islands to Montego Bay. Jamaican Authorities reported to the US DEA that they saw the aircraft arrive in Braco Airfield and after landing, the pilot climbed on a wing and signaled with a flashlight. When challenged, he reentered the aircraft and attempted to run down the guard. At this point the JDF guards opened fire.

Seventy Airways

While taking off from a snow covered runway, the airplane became unstable and directional control was lost. The pilot reduced the power on the right engine to compensate but this was insufficient. The airplane overran and came to rest in a snow covered area. All four passengers were injured and the pilot was seriously wounded. The aircraft was written off.

Rhoades International

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed onto the runway and came to rest. Both occupants were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Gary R. Smith

En route from East Saint Louis, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed in an open field. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Clark Equipment Sales

Shortly after takeoff from Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, while in initial climb, the left engine lost power. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in flames near the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Private American

While on an NDB approach to Burlington Airport by night, the pilot descended below the MDA when the twin engine airplane hit tree tops, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area located in Winooski, about 1,5 mile short of runway 15. The airplane was destroyed by a post crash fire and all four occupants have been killed.