On September 24, 1990, a Beech C-45H (registration N450G) operated by Majestic Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Falls, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong left crosswinds, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway. 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.
A Beech C-45G experienced directional control issues during takeoff due to strong left crosswinds. The pilot attempted to correct using differential power but aborted the takeoff, causing the aircraft to depart the runway on the right side.
What happened
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped Beech C-45G lost directional control of the aircraft while attempting to take off in conditions characterized by strong left crosswinds. As the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway, the pilot attempted to maintain the centerline by applying differential power.
Despite these corrective efforts, the situation could not be stabilized. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff attempt. During this aborted maneuver, the aircraft departed the paved surface on the right side of the runway.
The investigation
Post-accident examination focused on the mechanics of the directional control loss. The primary factor identified was the inability to maintain alignment with the runway centerline due to the wind conditions and the tailwheel configuration of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong left crosswinds, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway.
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