Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510250076
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Pilot Michael Patrick Hillis incorrectly assumed that an engine had failed, the board concluded. He then failed to follow proper procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach, go-around and stall recovery.
The plane crashed Dec. 13 while trying to circle for a second landing attempt. Hillis, co-pilot Matthew Sailor and 13 passengers died. Five passengers survived.
The board said that a contributing factor was the failure of airline management to identify and remedy problems in pilot performance and training.
Hillis was hired by Flagship Airline, operating as American Eagle, after being recommended for dismissal by Comair. Flagship was not aware of that recommendation or Hillis' training problems, investigators found.
The board, however, postponed action on a recommendation that airlines be required to compile reports on pilot training and performance problems and to share them with one another.
Chairman Jim Hall had pressed for the requirement but acknowledged that it is a sensitive issue and other board members wanted more time to consider it.
This was the fourth fatal accident the board has investigated involving airlines not having all crew performance records on problem pilots, Hall said. Seventy-two people have died in such crashes. In some, airlines failed to seek out pilot background; in one case, a pilot lied to get a job, Hall said.
According to the investigators in this case, a cockpit light went on as the plane was landing, indicating an automatic engine ignition had occurred. No evidence of engine problems was found.
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB