Colgan 3407 Down in Buffalo

[satpak77]

Just listened to the ATC tapes. Nothing solid, but her voice seems to change the further into the approach they got.

Damn this sucks...

I listened also, no reports of problems, etc, also they continued the approach, so who knows (not us on here)

planes were getting in and out with no much problem, WX is an issue = ????

god bless.

 

[macdu]

God bless you all.

 

[difete]

This is very sad.

They were on approach by the outer marker. CNN has an eye witness saying it was coming nose down, high pitch noise before impact.

The weather being the major suspect right now. The metars had light freezing rain for a moment. I dunno. Very early to say anything... just a very sad night for all who lost a loved one. I am very sorry.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Fox news and MSNBC are saying that witnesses report a loud pop and fire from one of the engines before crashing.

Non-pilot witnesses are worthless. They don't know what "normal" is and what isn't. Most are just making stuff up to be on tv.

Tailwinds, my friends. Godspeed 3407.

Shy

 

[wnplt]

Listening to the tapes most other pilots were reporting 1/4 of ice or so, some more some less. I flew the Dash 8 200 for 7 years and It was by far the best ice airplane I ever flew. I've seen up to two inches of ice on the airframe before. Really an impressive airplane in the ice.

This is very heartbreaking...

 

[satpak77]

autopilot problems, trim problems, altimeter problems? etc etc? stall on final?

etc etc

(admittedly speculating)

 

[nwa_contrails]

This is just gut-wrenching. Prayers for all our brothers and sisters at Colgan tonight and for a long time to come....

 

[Oakum_Boy]

SAS quit flying the Q400 because of all the landing gear problems. Not that that's related in any way, but it doesn't instill confidence in this version of the airframe whatsoever.

 

[WSurf]

Listening to the tapes most other pilots were reporting 1/4 of ice or so, some more some less. I flew the Dash 8 200 for 7 years and It was by far the best ice airplane I ever flew. I've seen up to two inches of ice on the airframe before. Really an impressive airplane in the ice.

This is very heartbreaking...

Yes, and on the ATC tapes Delta said all the ice was coming off at 2300' feet.

I seriously doubt this was due to icing.

 

[WSurf]

SAS quit flying the Q400 because of all the landing gear problems. Not that that's related in any way, but it doesn't instill confidence in this version of the airframe whatsoever.

Yea, but they settled with Bombardier and will resume Q400 flying after they got a nice discount on the Q400 Next Generation.

 

[tweeter125]

Non-pilot witnesses are worthless. They don't know what "normal" is and what isn't. Most are just making stuff up to be on tv.

Tailwinds, my friends. Godspeed 3407.

Shy

I'm just passin along what was said.
I agree that most are morons.

 

[Flywrite]

That ATC feed is hard to listen to so soon after the event.

Condolences to the Colgan folks, pax, and families...

 

[Snaab]

My thoughts and prayers are with the crew and pax's family and friends. This is terrible news.

The -400 handles ice with no problems...Very strong and well-equipped. Sad and tough days ahead.

 

[Goose Egg]

Be careful out there, everyone. Fate is still the hunter. Thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

-Goose

 

[great cornholio]

Well this sucks. We have been lucky for a while now with no fatalities. I was at Colgan when the 1900 crashed in HYA and knew both of those guys. From what I've heard I don't think I knew these two, but will have a beer for them. RIP

 

[Oakum_Boy]

Icing should always be suspect. Someone mentioned tail stall which usually occurs with the selection of final flaps. Not that that's what happened. RIP.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

I'm just passin along what was said.
I agree that most are morons.

Yeah, understand. I was just stating the obvious. Except the "witness" statement quoted right after yours sounded a little more accurate. Who knows? We'll wait and see, just like everyone else.

It's been a bad year. I lost a friend/student and his wife January 3rd in a CFIT in the smokies.

Sad to hear/ and think about. You just never know when it's your time, do ya?

Godspeed...

Shy

 

[satpak77]

is it SOP at Colgan for gear to come down at GS intercept? (I assume it would be...)

this is assuming they intercepted GS over the marker....but maybe there is some gear nexus to this in some shape or fashion?

 

[Flywrite]

is it SOP at Colgan for gear to come down at GS intercept? (I assume it would be...)

this is assuming they intercepted GS over the marker....but maybe there is some gear nexus to this in some shape or fashion?

It's in all our natures to wonder and speculate after an accident...Ice...weather...mechanical...crew...it's part of the analytical nature of pilots, but still, a gear problem is reaching quite a bit.

 

[Hobbes]

Controller

If you ask me that approach controller did a great job after the event trying to gather a little data...I hope he gets a little time off from work as it has to affect you to be the one working when a plane goes down like that.

I didn't hear anything unusual from the crew of the Colgan flight.

And I agree that is in our best nature to start trying to figure out what happens to our brothers and sisters flying, so we can be safe ourselves. At the same time I understand those that want a little decorum regarding the sensitive nature of these topics. No one intends any harm here.