Accidents and incidents

Air Classics, Feb 2001 by Larkins, William T

Compiled by William T. Larkins

On 3 September 2000 at 1430 mountain daylight time, North American SNJ-5 N440JG was destroyed on impact with the ground while maneuvering during an airshow at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The airline transport certificated pilot in command and his private pilot certific.ated passenger received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed. According to preliminary information, the aircraft was observed to enter what witnesses described as a five- to ten-turn flat spin. The aircraft remained in the described maneuver until it impacted the ground in a construction site surrounded by commercial establishments.

On 13 October 2000 at Suffolk, Virginia, North American T-28D N99160 received substantial damage when the nose gear collapsed during a high speed taxi.

On 21 October 2000 at 1555 hours Pacific daylight time, Ryan PT-22 N50870 was destroyed when it collided with trees one minute after departing from the airport at Georgetown, California. The private pilot/owner was operating the aircraft under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot sustained serious injuries and his passenger was killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight and no flight plan was filed. Witnesses told El Dorado County Sheriffs Deputies that several airplanes stopped at Georgetown for one leg on a round robin cross-country. This pilot left his traveling companion on the ground while he gave a ride around the local area to a new private pilot. A mechanic who observed the accident told the FAA accident coordinator the airplane departed on runway 34. The plane stayed low above the runway, then pilot initiated a steep pull-up. As the airplane went Lip, it banked right. Then it rolled sharply to the left and nose rapidly pointed down. Prior to entering trees the airplane appeared to be upright with the nose coming back Lip. Witnesses reported the engine tone stayed the same throughout the takeoff and maneuvering. AC