Express Airlines II, Inc. Jetstream BA-3100 Aircraft On A Scheduled  Out Of  Hibbing, MN Crashes Killing 18

Dec-01-93 While on a localizer back course approach the airplane collided with trees and the terrain aprx 3 mi from the runway threshold. The captain delayed the start of the descent that subsequently required an excessive descent rate to reach the FAF and MDH. The captain's actions led to distractions during critical phases of the approach.

The flightcrew lost altitude awareness and allowed the airplane to descend below mandatory level off points. The captain's record raised questions about his airmanship and behavior that suggested a lack of crew coordination during flight operations, including intimidation of first officers. Company management did not address these matters adequately.

The airline's flight operations management failed to implement provisions to adequately oversee the training of their flightcrews and the operation of their aircraft. Faa guidance to their inspectors concerning implementation of ops bulletins is inadequate and has failed to transmit valuable safety information as intended to airlines.