Convair T-29

Historical safety data and incident record for the Convair T-29 aircraft.

Safety Rating

9.7/10

Total Incidents

8

Total Fatalities

27

Incident History

Combs FreightAir

Trenton-Mercer New Jersey

The copilot begun takeoff with 2,700 rpm and 52 to 53.5' of manifold pressure (mp). Water injection was not used although 12 gallons was available. At 150 to 250 feet agl, the left engine lost power and the left propeller auto feathered. The captain took control and took action to verify left engine feathering. Neither pilot moved any of the other engine controls. A turn was initiated to return to the airport, but the aircraft began losing speed and altitude. Subsequently, it crash landed in a partly wooded area short of an open field and burned until firefighting personnel arrived. The impeller was demolished by fire, but evidence of debris from the impeller was found in the left engine intake and on top of its #3 and # 11 piston. The company's stated policy was to use water (wet takeoff), except when precluded by mechanical malfunction or lack of additional fluid; however, 4 dissimilar power charts were found in the aircraft. Takeoff weight was 38,670 lbs. Performance manual showed aircraft capable of 420 fpm climb with 12° of flaps, one prop feathered, landing gear up, dry power (no water). Max power setting was 2,700 rpm and 56' mp for dry takeoff; 2,800 rpm and 59.5' mp for wet takeoff. Both pilots were seriously injured.

Aero Cozumel

Cancún Quintana Roo

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, one of the engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a swamp located past the runway end. All occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Commercial Air Transport

Roxas City Capiz

After touchdown at Roxas City Airport, the airplane encountered difficulties to stop and overran. It lost its undercarriage and came to rest. Both pilots were uninjured.

January 9, 1975 7 Fatalities

United States Air Force - USAF

Newport News Virginia

While approaching Langley AFB by night on a flight from Meridian, Massachusetts, the airplane collided with a Cavalier Flyers Cessna 150 registered N50430 and carrying two people. Following the collision, both aircraft crashed into the James River, about four miles west of Newport News. Both aircraft were destroyed and all nine people were killed.

May 4, 1970 13 Fatalities

United States Air Force - USAF

Hamilton AFB (Novato) California

Shortly after takeoff from runway 30 at Hamilton AFB (Novato, CA), the crew was cleared to climb at his discretion, following heading 360 till 2,600 feet then heading 340. Few seconds later, the airplane struck trees and crashed on a mountain slope located eight miles from the airbase. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. A passenger was seriously injured while 13 other occupants were killed. The crew from the 26th Division was completing a flight to Spokane, Washington. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were considered as good with three cloud layers at 900, 15,000 and 25,000 feet, a visibility of about 8 miles and a light wind from 340 at 2 knots.

United States Air Force - USAF

Wiesbaden-Erbenheim AFB Hesse

Shortly after takeoff from runway 07 at Wiesbaden-Erbenheim AFB, while climbing, one of the engine lost power. The airplane lost height and crash landed in a field located in Breckenheim, about 6 km northeast of the airfield. All four crew members escaped uninjured while the aircraft was partially destroyed by fire.

February 25, 1962 3 Fatalities

United States Air Force - USAF

Babcock Peak Colorado

The airplane left Amarillo Airport on a liaison flight with three crew members on board. While cruising northwest of Durango, Colorado, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with a snowstorm. While cruising at an altitude of 14,000 feet, the airplane struck Babcock Peak. As the airplane failed to arrive at destination, SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. The wreckage was eventually localized on May 18, 1962. Crew: Cpt Richard E. Bellamy, pilot, Maj J. E. Lunsford, copilot, S/Sgt E. L. Fairey, flight engineer.

November 4, 1954 4 Fatalities

United States Air Force - USAF

Tucson Arizona

Shortly after takeoff from Tucson Airport, while climbing by night, the crew informed ATC about an engine failure and received the permission to return for an emergency landing. While completing a last turn at low height, the aircraft hit power cables and crashed near the runway threshold. Four occupants were killed while 11 others were injured.

Safety Profile

Reliability

Reliable

This rating is based on historical incident data and may not reflect current operational safety.

Primary Operators (by incidents)

United States Air Force - USAF5
Aero Cozumel1
Combs FreightAir1
Commercial Air Transport1