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December 1992
Unstabilized Approach, Icing Conditions Lead To Commuter Tragedy 6 pages. [PDF 408K]
When the crew of the Jetstream commuter decided to salvage a missed approach in hazardous weather conditions, they set an error chain in motion that left them few recovery options. An investigation revealed that poor vectoring by air traffic control and tail plane icing contributed to the fatal crash.
November 1992
Rapid High-altitude Icing Linked to Series of Fatal Accidents 8 pages. [PDF 115K]
Australian accident investigations, pilot surveys and computer models suggest that the Mitsubishi MU-2 can be unforgiving in high-altitude icing conditions. An exhaustive study, completed by the Australian Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (BASI), details a series of MU-2 crashes where icing was a factor. The report also suggests that the high performance aircraft demands special pilot recovery skills in emergency situations.
October 1992
Anatomy of a Mountain Crash: Error Chain Leads to Tragedy 6 pages. [PDF 93K]
When the captain decided to take off under visual flight rules (VFR) despite low ceilings and fog-shrouded mountainous terrain, he left too little room for error.
September 1992
Wind Shear Sends Commuter Aircraft Plunging Out of Control 4 pages. [PDF 103K]
When the captain elected to continue the approach through known thunderstorm activity, tragedy was only minutes away.
August 1992
Sudden Aileron Lock Sends Cargo Turboprop Plummeting to the Ground 4 pages. [PDF 86K]
Improperly rigged ailerons turn a routine left bank into a fatal maneuver.
July 1992
Faulty Instrument, Poor Judgment Bring Down Convair Turboprop 4 pages. [PDF 38K]
When the command pilot flaunted minimum equipment list requirements and assigned an inexperienced copilot for takeoff, the stage was set for tragedy.
June 1992
Action Must Be Taken to Further Reduce the Current Accident Rate as the Transport Fleet Increases in Size and Operation 8 pages. [PDF 135K]
Key issues that influence safety have been identified by The Boeing Company, which urges the aviation industry — manufacturers, regulators and operators — to take action to make improvements that will prevent accidents and ensure continued public confidence in flying.
May 1992
Communication Creates Essential Bond to Allow Air Traffic Control System to Function Safely 6 pages. [PDF30K]
Information must not only be transmitted — it must be received and understood by pilots and controllers to communicate effectively and ensure safe operations.
April 1992
How Much Is Too Much Wing Ice? 8 pages. [PDF 589K]
What may appear to be a minor coating of ice on an aircraft wing may be sufficient to impair lift to the point that safe flight is not possible.
March 1992
Midair Collision — The Links in a Chain 6 pages. [PDF 36K]
When the pilot of a chartered fixed-wing airplane accepted the offer of a helicopter pilot to fly beneath his aircraft and check his landing gear, the scene was set for disaster.
February 1992
Tailplane Icing and Aircraft Performance Degradation 6 pages. [PDF 870K]
Ice accretions on horizontal tail surfaces can decrease stall margins, impair control, increase drag and decrease lift.
January 1992
Coping with High-tech Cockpit Complacency 4 pages. [PDF 25K]
The highly automated electronic systems of modern aircraft can lull the unwary pilot into a false sense of security.