No fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Fire After Landing at San Angelo-Mathis Field Airport (N444JW)

San Angelo-Mathis Field, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 2, 1979, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N444JW) operated by Coca-Cola Company was involved in an aviation accident near San Angelo-Mathis Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Swerved on landing due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on part of the pilot-in-command who delayed in initiating a go-around. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane swerved and nosed over upon landing at San Angelo-Mathis Field Airport, catching fire. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During a landing at San Angelo-Mathis Field Airport, a twin-engine airplane swerved after touchdown and subsequently nosed over. The aircraft came to rest in flames, resulting in the destruction of the airframe. All four occupants on board escaped the incident with minor injuries. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the event. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation attributed the accident to the pilot-in-command's improper operation of the brakes and/or flight controls, which caused the aircraft to swerve on landing. The findings also noted that the pilot delayed in initiating a go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Dec 1979 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near San Angelo-Mathis Field, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane swerved and nosed over upon landing at San Angelo-Mathis Field Airport, catching fire. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Dec 1979 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Dec 1979 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N444JW, operated by Coca-Cola Company, at San Angelo-Mathis Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Swerved on landing due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on part of the pilot-in-command who delayed in initiating a go-around.