Pilot, Co-Pilot Probably Caused Crash, Panel Rules

A federal panel ruled today that the pilot and co-pilot of a Galaxy Airlines plane that crashed in Reno last Jan. 21 and killed 70 people probably caused the accident by failing to concentrate on flying when strong vibrations shook the plane.

The National Transportation Safety Board also cited the failure of a ground handler to properly close an engine-start access door, which caused the vibrations and contributed to the accident.

When the jolts began shortly after a 1:04 a.m. takeoff from Cannon International Airport, the pilot and co-pilot were too preoccupied in trying to deal with the emergency to keep the aircraft in flight, the safety board said.

“The problem with the captain is he was trying to do two things at once,” board member John Lauber said. “The co-pilot failed to carry out communications and (also) monitor air speed.”

The four-engine 188 Lockheed Electra turboprop was on a return flight to Minneapolis on a charter that allowed passengers to attend the Super Bowl in Palo Alto, Calif., and then gamble in Nevada. It crashed in a deserted commercial area alongside U.S. 395. The only survivor among the 65 passengers and crew of six was a 17-year-old boy who was thrown out of the plane.

Strong jolts shook the plane as it took off.

The ground crew that prepared the aircraft failed to close the small rear air hose access door used in starting the first engine, the safety board said. The open door “led to the vibration,” the panel said.

When the jolts began, Capt. Allen Heasley, 49, reduced the power, and the plane nearly stalled. He ordered a return to full power, but it was too late.

Co-pilot Kevin Fieldsa, 27, spent the last critical moments talking to the control tower when he should have focused on watching air speed and helping keep the plane aloft, board members said.