Casualties unknown

1990-04-27: Beech BARON 58 (N168CC) — Danbury, CT

Danbury, CT, US

On April 27, 1990, a Beech BARON 58 (registration N168CC) was involved in an aviation accident near Danbury, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The door popping open during takeoff roll due to crossing an intersecting runway, leading to the aborted takeoff and subsequent overrun. 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 takeoff roll, an aircraft door opened unexpectedly, prompting the pilot to abort. The plane overran the runway, hitting a car and van before stopping near a fence.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial phase of flight operations on a paved surface. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway for departure, it crossed over an intersecting runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden vertical movement, described in the source as catapulting slightly. This motion caused one of the doors to pop open unexpectedly.

Recognizing the situation, the pilot initiated an abort of the takeoff procedure. The pilot attempted to bring the aircraft back under control and set it down onto the runway surface. However, the aircraft continued its forward momentum beyond the designated end of the paved area.

The plane rolled off the end of the runway and collided with a fence. Following this impact, the aircraft struck a passing automobile. That vehicle then proceeded to hit a van. The aircraft ultimately came to rest just short of a concrete fence, having caused damage to itself and involved multiple other vehicles in the incident.

Probable cause

The door popping open during takeoff roll due to crossing an intersecting runway, leading to the aborted takeoff and subsequent overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23020. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.