On June 29, 1984, a Swearingen SA227-AC (registration N1014P) operated by Pioneer Airways,inc.(pioa) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Island, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove the left propeller from the start lock before takeoff, which resulted in a runway light strike. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft struck a runway light during takeoff roll because the left engine propeller was inadvertently left on the start lock, preventing proper operation.
What happened
The flight crew initiated engine operations with specific procedural deviations that contributed to the incident. The captain started the right engine while the aircraft was at the gate. Subsequently, the left engine was started while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff. During this phase, the first officer was occupied briefing passengers on takeoff and en route procedures.
The first officer then initiated the takeoff roll. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it proceeded to the left side of the pavement. The aircraft struck a runway light during this maneuver.
The investigation
Post-incident examination revealed the mechanical cause of the failure. Investigators found that the left propeller was still engaged on the start locks. This condition prevented the propeller from feathering or operating correctly during the takeoff sequence, leading to the asymmetric thrust and control issues that caused the runway excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove the left propeller from the start lock before takeoff, which resulted in a runway light strike.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jun 1984 Swearingen SA227-AC accident near Grand Island, NE?
Aircraft struck a runway light during takeoff roll because the left engine propeller was inadvertently left on the start lock, preventing proper operation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jun 1984 involved a Swearingen SA227-AC, registration N1014P, operated by Pioneer Airways,inc.(pioa), at Grand Island, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to remove the left propeller from the start lock before takeoff, which resulted in a runway light strike.
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