Casualties unknown

1983-06-07: Beech 95-B55 (N1757W) — San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX, US

On June 7, 1983, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N1757W) was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, a pilot observed no airspeed indication and aborted. The aircraft overran the runway, struck an irrigation ditch, and nosed over. Post-accident inspection revealed insect larvae in the pitot tube.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff roll, with approximately 1,400 feet of runway remaining, the pilot noticed that there was no indication of airspeed. He therefore elected to abort the takeoff. The runway was a combination of asphalt and turf. Following his decision to abort, the remaining portion of the runway was turf, which was still damp from the morning dew. He was unable to stop on the remaining runway. After overrunning the runway, the aircraft hit an irrigation ditch and nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination revealed insect larvae imbedded in the pitot tube, about 1/8 inch from the tube's end. According to the pilot, the aircraft had been parked outside and had not been flown for approximately 70 days prior to the accident flight. He further related that he noticed nothing abnormal about the pitot system during his preflight inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.