On April 18, 1982, a Cessna 411 (registration N3228R) operated by Chester Air was involved in an aviation accident near Middlefield-Geauga County, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power (nonmechanical) due to improper in-flight planning/decision and simulated emergency procedure by pilot in command; loss of control due to poor planned approach and failure to maintain VMC; resulting in in-flight collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft on a Part 135 check ride preparation crashed during a simulated engine failure approach, killing all five occupants. The official investigation cited improper planning and failure to maintain airspeed.
Background
The flight was conducted to prepare for an FAA Part 135 air taxi check ride scheduled later that week. The aircraft was observed during the approach with one engine shut down, indicating a simulated engine failure procedure.
Accident Sequence
During the turn to final, the aircraft crashed approximately half a mile from runway 28. All five occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified three occurrences contributing to the accident:
Loss of engine power (total) – nonmechanical during the approach VFR pattern base leg/base to final. Findings attributed this to improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command and a simulated emergency procedure.
Loss of control – in flight during the same phase. Findings cited a poor planned approach and failure to maintain airspeed (VMC) by the pilot in command.
In flight collision with terrain/water as the final occurrence, also during the approach VFR pattern base leg/base to final.