Casualties unknown

1985-02-13: Beech BE-18 (N81DA) — Coast Air Freight — Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria, CA, US

On February 13, 1985, a Beech BE-18 (registration N81DA) operated by Coast Air Freight was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Maria, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A gust of wind caused the aircraft's right wing to lift during the landing rollout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During landing rollout on Runway 30, a gust of wind caused the aircraft's right wing to lift, leading to a left groundloop and runway excursion.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during the landing rollout on Runway 30, a gust of wind caused the aircraft's right wing to lift. The pilot was unable to correct the uplifting wing, and the aircraft entered a left groundloop maneuver and exited the runway.

ATC and Wind Information

The local controller reported that the pilot requested and received landing instructions approximately eight minutes before the accident. The aircraft was cleared for a straight-in approach to Runway 30. The surface winds at that time were from 320 degrees at 8 knots. Approximately four minutes before the accident, the pilot requested and received updated surface wind information, which indicated winds from 360 degrees at 14 knots.

Sequence of Events

The incident occurred during the rollout phase after landing. The pilot had received the initial landing clearance and wind information, and later requested updated wind data. Shortly after, during the landing rollout, a gust of wind affected the right wing, causing it to rise. Despite the pilot's efforts, the wing lift could not be corrected, resulting in a groundloop to the left and the aircraft departing the runway surface. The aircraft then came to rest off the runway.

Probable cause

A gust of wind caused the aircraft's right wing to lift during the landing rollout.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35727. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.