Lockheed 18 LodeStar

American Airpower Heritage Museum

The 18,000- hour pilot was cleared for takeoff in the vintage twin-engine tail wheel equipped airplane on a 9,501- foot by 50- foot runway. The pilot was aware that there was a tailwind from approximately 160 degrees at 10 knots. Shortly after starting the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot was able to correct back to the centerline utilizing rudder control. The airplane then swerved to the left, and full right rudder was applied but the swerve could not be corrected. By the time the airplane reached the left edge of the runway, the airplane had not reached its calculated V2 speed of 110 knots. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, went airborne and shortly thereafter, the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. The airplane then spun 180 degrees, impacted the ground, slid backward, and came to rest upright. A post-crash fire consumed the aft fuselage and left wing.

Nicole Corporation

The right engine of the aircraft failed three times in flight. After the last failure near the middle marker the pilot feathered the propeller. The aircraft collided with power lines and the ground about 400 yards short of runway 31 at the Redbird Airport. The right fuel selector was positioned to the left rear tank and the left selector was positioned to the off position. The left wing tanks were intact and empty. Both engines had failed due to fuel exhaustion. Two airports were overflown that were adequate for landing and that had fuel available. This was the co-pilot's first flight.

Southwest Airlift

While approaching for a landing, the aircraft pitched up, rolled inverted and impacted the terrain to the left of the runway. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found; however, an investigation revealed the aircraft had been loaded with the center-of-gravity (cg) well behind the aft limit. The aircraft had been weighed on 9/8/84. Later, on 1/2/86, weight and balance data had been recomputed after removal of a radar and an autopilot, but an error had been made during the weight and balance preparation. Subsequently, the aircraft was operated in a tail heavy condition. Whether using the existing or the correct data, calculations for this flight should have shown the cg was behind the aft limit. The elevator trim tab was found trimmed to a full nose down position; 200 lbs of ballast had been installed in the vicinity of the aft cargo door. Tests of lung tissue showed the pilot and copilot had alcohol levels of 0,44‰ and 1,71‰, respectively. The pilot's urine tested 0,35‰ for alcohol. Also, phenyltoloxamine, acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine (medications commonly used in decongestants/antihistamines) were detected in his urine. Both occupants were killed.

Geoterrex

The undercarriage collapsed upon landing at Nanisivik Airport. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Holiday Tours

At approximately 2330 est, witnesses near the crash site heard an aircraft, and shortly thereafter, they saw a flash. One of them, who was driving a car, went back to the area the next day and found the aircraft wreckage. The aircraft had crashed and burned about one mile from the approach end of runway 24. Wreckage was strewn along an area of about 250 feet long and was oriented on a heading of 230°. The aircraft was descending in an estimate 40° dive when it hit the ground. An exam of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of a malfunction. About 3,500 lbs of marijuana was found in the wreckage. The 2010 weather at the airport was: indefinite 500 feet obscuration, visibility 1 1/4 mile with rain and light fog, temperature 33°, wind from 280° at 5 knots. Another pilot had landed at 2015. He said his aircraft had accumulated a trace of rime ice. At the time of the accident, witnesses said the roads were lightly covered with ice snow. Both occupants were killed.

Command Aviation

The aircraft was on a sport parachute flight to carry 24 parachutists to 12,500' over a drop zone (dz) for a mass jump. It was in a cargo configuration with no passenger seats, but it had one jump seat. There were 24 seat belts on the floor of the cargo area. Also, the cabin door had been removed and an unapproved step and 4 handholds were installed outside and forward of the cabin door for parachutists. The usual jump-run procedure was for the aircraft to be slowed to 95 to 100 knots, extend the gear and approach flaps and reduce power on the left engine. The jumpers remained in position without using seat belts until approaching the dz, then two moved outside the aircraft while others moved close to the doorway. The first jumpers were unaware of any problem, but saw the aircraft enter a steep bank, roll over and spiral nose down. 16 jumpers exited the aircraft, but three hit the stabilizer. The aircraft crashed in a near vertical descent. Investigation revealed the cg was behind the aft limit for takeoff and the jump. The elevator trim actuator was found in a position for full nose-up trim.

Falcon Leasing Corporation

The aircraft collided with trees during an attempted off airport landing at night for marijuana unloading. The aircraft was being followed by a u.s customs helicopter, the occupants of this helicopter said the aircraft had made one missed approach and during the go-around on the downwind leg the aircraft descended until it hit the trees. There was a layer of 'scud' at about 100-200 feet agl. Visibility under the low lying intermittent cloud layer was about 2 miles. After the crash the helicopter landed about 30 yards away but approach on foot was not possible due to heat from the burning wreckage. Both occupants were killed.

Georgia South America

The pilot reported that after he taxied to the rwy, the n°1 oil temperature was not up to the minimum temperature. He set the parking and advanced the n°1 throttle to 1,500 rpm until the engine warmed up. When both oil temperatures were within limits, he advanced both throttles to 30 inches manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm for a pretakeoff check. At that time, he used the normal (toe) brakes, since the parking brake would not hold the aircraft above approximately 1,700 rpm. He then applied full power and released the brakes for takeoff. As he started to roll with a slight left crosswind, the aircraft began drifting left. He corrected with right rudder, some right brake and right aileron. The aircraft then began drifting right and the pilot suspected a wind-shift from that direction. He applied left rudder and right aileron, but the plane veered right, went off the runway and headed for a ditch. Unable to stop, the pilot tried to clear the ditch. As the aircraft became airborne, the left wing dropped and hit the ground, and the aircraft yawed and crashed. The parking brake was found partially engaged. Tire marks were evident on the runway. All four occupants escaped uninjured.

Vintage Sales Corporation

The aircraft was observed without lights making repeated low altitude passes over a pipeline right-of-way at night. The aircraft was equipped with an internal aux fuel tank, non-standard internal plumbing, a large lever-operated petroleum products pump, an inflatable raft and other survival equipment. The cabin door was not found at the crash site. The pilots departed Fort Lauderdale, FL on October 16 on a flight to the Bahamas and were expected to return on October 18.

Fred C. Sorenson

The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Honolulu to the Palmyra Atoll, carrying amateur radio operators. After touchdown, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway and collided with trees. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and all nine occupants evacuated, some of them were injured. On approach, the pilot estimated cross wind gusting to 15 knots but the wind was calm below tree level on runway.

Wiregrass Aviation

Upon landing at Brunswick-Glynco Jetport Airport, the twin engine airplane bounced. The gear collapsed and the airplane went out of control and came to rest on its belly. All three occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

South Central Aviation

The twin engine airplane was completing a cargo flight from Belize City to McAllen, Texas, with an intermediate stop in Tampico, carrying two pilots and a load of cigarettes. On final approach, it crashed in unknown circumstances and was destroyed by a post crash fire. Both occupants were killed.

McCollum Aviation

During the takeoff roll, the crew decided to abandon the takeoff procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine airplane overran, struck trees and crashed in flames. Both occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. A load of 2,000 lbs of marijuana was found on board.

Wiley C. Puckett

While flying by night at low altitude, the twin engine airplane struck obstacles and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed. Illegal flight suspected. Customs agents were looking for the aircraft.

Transalaska Produce Corporation

Following an improper level off, the twin engine airplane crash landed near Lone Pine. The undercarriage collapsed on landing then the airplane slid on its belly and came to rest in flames. The pilot disappeared and was not found while the aircraft was destroyed by fire. It was engaged in a contraband flight.

Priester Aviation

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It stall, struck the ground and crashed in flames. Both occupants were injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

Depositor Canales

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing both occupants.

Connecticut National Bank

After takeoff by night from Brighton-Grass Field Airport, the twin engine airplane collided with trees and high vegetation and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed.

Colonial Bank

The airplane was engaged in an illegal flight from Gainesville to Rockwood, carrying a load of marijuana. On final approach to Rockwood Municipal Airport by night, in a gear up and flaps down configuration, the crew apparently attempted a low pass when the airplane struck trees located about a quarter mile short of runway and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed.

Hartzog Aviation

Just after takeoff from Veracruz-General Heriberto Jara Airport, the twin engine airplane struck trees and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.

Cim Associates

Crash under unknown circumstances while on approach to Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi Airport. The airplane was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were slightly injured.

Tiffany Realty

While flying at low height, the pilot made an evasive maneuver to avoid power cable when control was lost. The airplane crashed in a prairie located near Lake Placid. While the passenger was seriously injured, the pilot was killed. The flight was illegal as 3,244 pounds of marijuana was found on board.

L. Eduardo

En route, the right engine caught fire. The crew decided to reduce his altitude and attempted an emergency landing. The airplane crash landed in an open field and came to rest in flames. While both occupants escaped uninjured, the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Air Caribbean

The crew was completing an illegal flight to the US with a load of more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana on board. While flying over Florida, the right engine failed and the crew decided to divert to Pompano Beach Airport for an emergency landing. On final approach, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Florida Airways International

The pilot, sole on board, was completing an illegal flight and the aircraft was carrying a load of one ton of marijuana. While trying to land by night in Placida, the airplane struck power cables and crashed in an open field. The pilot disappeared and was not found. The aircraft was destroyed and the marijuana was found on board.

Aeropesca Colombia

The crew (three pilots under supervision and two instructors) departed Bogotá-El Dorado Airport in the early morning on a training flight to Flandes, Tolima. Several touch and go maneuvers were completed at Flandes Airport and during the last takeoff, the undercarriage failed to retract after the hydraulic system failed. On approach to Bogotá-El Dorado, the crew was unable to lower the flaps thus a flapless landing was completed on runway 12. After touchdown, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest in a drainage ditch. All five occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Media Aviation

The airplane was probably involved in a drug smuggling flight. For unknown reasons, the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed 3 km from Santa Lucia AFB, north of Mexico City. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all three occupants were not found.

Oliver B. Cannon %26 Sons

During the takeoff roll at Pecos Airport, the pilot lost control of the airplane swerved and eventually crashed. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and all three occupants were killed.

Private American

Shortly after a night takeoff from Clarendon-Vernamfield Airport, the twine engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. A passenger was killed while two other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

American Philippine Indonesian Malaysian Enterprises

During the takeoff roll at Cebu City Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control, ground looped and lost its undercarriage before coming to rest.

Lost River Mining Corp

While taking off from the gravel runway at Wales-Lost River Mine Airport, the crew lost control of the airplane that veered off runway and collided with a large gravel pile before coming to rest. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Carolina Aircraft Corporation

En route from Fort Lauderdale to Raleigh, North Carolina, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity. Control was lost and the airplane entered a dive during which both wings separated as well as the stabs and tail. The airplane crashed near Okeechobee and disintegrated on impact. All eight occupants were killed.

Airland

While on approach to Napier-Hawke’s Bay Airport, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the Napier harbor. The pilot was rescued by fishermen while the airplane sank and was lost.

Sky King Inc.

At liftoff, the airplane did not get sufficient height, struck trees, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area. Both pilots (instructor and student pilot) were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Troy G. Hawkins

En route from Las Vegas to Dalhart, Texas, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with icing and turbulences. The VFR rated pilot preferred to continue in such conditions when few minutes later, a structural failure occurred on the left wing that detached. Out of control, the airplane dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion in an open field. All 11 occupants were killed.

Johnston R. Staples

The crew was completing a ferry flight from Miami-Opa Locka Airport to a maintenance facility based in St Petersburg. This was the first flight for maintenance. En route, smoke spread in the cockpit and the crew was forced to reduce his altitude and to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in flames in a prairie located in Golden Gate, northeast of Naples.

Private American

During the takeoff roll at Gaithersburg-Montgomery County Airport, the twin engine airplane swerved on runway. Control was lost and the airplane veered off runway, lost its undercarriage and came to rest in flames. Both occupants were slightly injured and the airplane was destroyed by fire.

Private American

Upon landing at Freeport Airport, one of main landing gear collapsed. The airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Airland

The aircraft was engaged in an operation involving the aerial sowing of bulk fertiliser. The Lodestar had made a straight sowing run after which it was seen to cross a ridge. It turned slightly to starboard and followed the line of the ridge before entering a comparatively steep left-hand turn apparently initiated to bring it back toward a suitable position from which another sowing run could be started. When about two-thirds of the turn had been completed, the aircraft was seen to flick suddenly into a left-hand spin which continued very rapidly for one and a half to two and a half turns until the aircraft impacted on bush-clad terrain near the top of the ridge it had formerly crossed, exploded, disintegrated and burned.

Airstar

The crew was performing an illegal flight and deliberately belly landed the airplane near La Plata, southeast of Buenos Aires. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

Private American

While cruising in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft struck a hilly terrain and crashed in the region of Aguila, Arizona. The wreckage was found two days later and both crew members were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was reduced due to low clouds, strong winds, heavy rain falls and thunderstorm activity. The airplane was owned by Edwin L. Byrd.

Private American

The crew was completing an illegal cargo flight. En route, the left engine caught fire and the pilot attempted an emergency landing when the airplane crash landed in a field and came to rest in flames. While all three occupants were able to evacuate, the airplane and its load were destroyed by fire.

Trans Caribbean Enterprises

While approaching Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez Airport, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea few km off shore. All five occupants were killed. They were performing a flight from Miami to Asunción with an intermediate stop in Lima.

Executive Aviation

The twin engine aircraft departed San Diego Airport on a private flight to La Paz, Baja California del Sur, with eight passengers and two pilots on board. In unknown circumstances, the airplane crashed in an isolated area located few dozen km north of La Paz. The wreckage was found two days later and all 10 occupants were killed, among them people who were interested to buy the aircraft.

National Steel Corp.

During the takeoff roll at Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport, prior to V1 speed, a fire warning alarm sounded. The crew decided to abort the takeoff and started an emergency braking procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine aircraft overran and plunged into Lake Michigan. All eight occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

BBR Drilling

Just after liftoff at Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, the right engine lost power. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing when control was lost. The airplane stalled, struck the ground and crashed in flames. A passenger was killed while four other occupants were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Arruda Indústria e Comércio

During the takeoff roll, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. Both crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Pine Paper Products Company

En route to Chicago, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot reduced his altitude and elected to divert to Philipsburg-Mid-State Airport. On final, the visibility was poor due to snow falls when the airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames in a snow covered field. A passenger was seriously injured while both other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.

Fruehauf Corp.

The crew was completing a positioning flight from Miami to Pontiac, Michigan. Shortly after takeoff from Miami-Intl Airport, while climbing to a height of 300 feet, the twin engine aircraft nosed down, plunged into the earth and crashed in a huge explosion. Both pilots were killed.

Burroughs Corporation

The crew was completing a local training flight at Detroit-Willow Run (Ypsilanti) Airport. On final approach to runway 05R, the instructor decided to make a go around. The crew increased engine power, raised the landing gear and deployed the flaps when the airplane stalled and crashed in a field and burst into flames. Both pilots were killed.