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Casualties unknown

Elevator Restriction Due to Snow and Slush in Hinge Assembly (N123D)

Burlington, VT, US

On February 15, 1989, a Beech 200 (registration N123D) operated by Evans Air was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A FROZEN ELEVATOR SURFACE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A charter captain experienced restricted elevator movement during climbout on three separate occasions, declared an emergency, and returned to land. Snow and slush were found in the elevator hinge openings; preflight inspection had shown only wet wing surfaces.

Incident

During climbout, the charter captain encountered restricted movement of the elevator on three separate occasions. The captain declared an emergency and returned to land at the airport of origin.

Findings

After landing, the pilot inspected the elevator and found snow and slush that had been brushed into the openings for the elevator hinge assembly. The pilot suspected that trapped moisture in these openings froze to the hinge, causing the restriction.

Comments

The pilot noted that the preflight inspection had revealed only wet wing surfaces. However, he was unable to see into the openings on top of the elevator during the preflight check.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beechcraft King Air 200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 1989 Beech 200 accident near Burlington, VT?

A charter captain experienced restricted elevator movement during climbout on three separate occasions, declared an emergency, and returned to land. Snow and slush were found in the elevator hinge openings; preflight inspection had shown only wet wing surfaces.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 1989 involved a Beech 200, registration N123D, operated by Evans Air, at Burlington, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PREFLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A FROZEN ELEVATOR SURFACE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27794. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.