Casualties unknown

1987-10-02: Beech B23 (N4007T) — Mansfield, MA

Mansfield, MA, US

On October 2, 1987, a Beech B23 (registration N4007T) was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking terrain. 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 a landing roll on runway 22, the pilot applied full right rudder against south-southwest winds but the aircraft veered left. It crossed a drainage area and struck upward sloping terrain, resulting in damage with no reported pre-accident mechanical issues.

What happened

The pilot reported that wind conditions during the incident were from the south-southwest at speeds between 15 to 20 knots. During the landing roll on runway 22, the pilot attempted to maintain directional control by applying full right rudder against the prevailing crosswind. Despite these efforts, the aircraft veered to the left when brakes were applied.

Following the departure from the paved surface, the aircraft continued its trajectory toward a drainage area located beside runway 14/32. As the aircraft crossed this drainage area, it encountered upward sloping terrain on the opposite side. This impact with the terrain resulted in damage to the aircraft. There were no reports of pre-accident mechanical problems.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the operational factors leading to the loss of directional control. The pilot's account indicated that south-southwest winds at 15 to 20 knots were present during the landing. The application of full right rudder was insufficient to counteract the wind effect combined with braking, leading to the leftward veer.

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the aircraft's departure from the runway environment due to crosswind conditions. The pilot's attempt to correct the drift using full right rudder and brakes did not prevent the aircraft from leaving the paved surface. The subsequent impact with the upward sloping terrain caused the damage. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32417. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.