Aviation Safety

The airplane was substantially damaged when it descended rapidly from cruise flight and impacted terrain at about 1601 Pacific time. The owner-pilot and the two passengers were fatally injured. According to radar data, the airplane followed a curving course to the southeast for 28 miles after takeoff, then tracked straight for 53 miles on a course of 084 degrees true. Its indicated altitude was 13,500 feet. The airplane then turned south, leveled at about 14,500 feet and flew another 43 miles before it made a course reversal to the left.

At about 0947 Central time, the airplane experienced an in-flight fire and performed an emergency landing. One passenger sustained a minor injury. The three crew members and three other passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged as a result of the fire, which continued after it was on the ground. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane was destroyed when it collided with trees during takeoff at about 1040 Eastern time. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot stated he had been flying out of the departure airport for over 20 years and was very familiar with its 2850-foot-long turf runway. Additionally, he had departed many times with the three passengers aboard, who were his grandchildren. The pilot further stated the airplanes takeoff weight was below the 2200-pound maximum and he departed with an approximate five-knot headwind.

At about 1405 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it experienced an in-flight upset while in cruise flight. The two commercial pilots were not injured. Instrument conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was in effect. The airplane was flying in smooth IMC conditions at FL200 with an area of “moderate to heavy to extreme” precipitation located about 30 miles to the northwest. As the airplane closed to 20 miles from the weather, it began to experience moderate turbulence and “several seconds of rime ice” on the windscreen.

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1718 Central time during a runway overrun. The airline transport pilot and four passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. As the airplane approached the airport, one of its owners-a student pilot-was in the right seat and at the controls. On sighting the airport, the pilot informed the student pilot they were “high and hot” and he needed to “get down and slow down.” The student pilot responded by telling the pilot this “landing is yours.”

At about 0950 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and the ground following takeoff. Visual conditions prevailed. The private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured; one passenger was seriously injured.

At about 1450 Pacific time, the airplane experienced partial failure of the primary airframe structure supporting its rudder while in the race pattern at Reno-Stead Airport. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage. The air-race qualification/training flight was operating in visual conditions.

The airplane collided with the parking ramp while attempting to land at 0444 Central time. Night visual conditions prevailed. The flight instructor and private pilot receiving instruction were killed. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire. At 04:34:46, the flight was cleared for the option to land on Runway 1. At 04:37:44, the flight requested a right turn to 2000 feet and a “high key” simulated engine failure approach to Runway 1. At 04:44:05, the pilot stated he was doing another 360-degree turn for Runway 1. No further communications were received.

The airplane was destroyed following a collision with trees and terrain at about 1303 Eastern time. The commercial pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed and active. A pilot reported observing the accident pilot perform about eight engine run-ups prior to departure. He stated it sounded like the pilot was trying to clean the spark plugs or he was having trouble with the magnetos firing properly.

The airplane impacted terrain at about 1300 mountain time. The private pilot and three of his passengers received serious injuries; one of his passengers received minor injuries. The airplane, which belonged to a friend of the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The flight was operating in visual conditions.