Casualties unknown

Airplane Runs Off Runway and Collapses Nose Landing Gear During Aborted Takeoff (N7972K)

Lindon, MI, US

On August 2, 1989, a Beech S35 (registration N7972K) operated by John D. Williams was involved in an aviation accident near Lindon, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF THE RUDDERVATOR CONTROL DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane ran off the end of the runway and collapsed the nose landing gear while aborting a takeoff roll. The pilot reported increasing resistance in flight controls, but FAA examination found no mechanical cause.

Event Description

The accident airplane was conducting a takeoff roll when the pilot decided to abort. During the abort, the airplane ran off the end of the runway. As a result of the runway excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed. At the time the abort was initiated, the airspeed was greater than 80 knots. The pilot stated that he was unable to stop the airplane within the remaining runway length.

Pilot Report

In a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he experienced a resistance in the flight controls. He noted that the resistance became more pronounced as the airspeed increased. The pilot described the sensation as a soft resistance, distinguishing it from a mechanical lock.

Examination

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the airplane at the accident location before it was moved. The examination did not reveal any mechanical reason that could account for the pilot's reported difficulty with the flight controls. The specific focus on the flight control system found no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.