On November 29, 1991, a Cessna 421B (registration N421DP) operated by Stanford P. Kibbe was involved in an aviation accident near San Andreas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove the control column's elevator gust lock due to not following the checklist closely during the night preflight inspection. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night preflight, the pilot did not follow the checklist closely and failed to remove the elevator gust lock. During takeoff roll, he felt the lock and aborted, but insufficient runway remained, causing an overrun into a fence.
Incident Overview
During a nighttime preflight inspection, the pilot did not follow the airplane's checklist with sufficient attention. As a result, the control column's elevator gust lock was not removed before the attempted takeoff.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane began its ground roll for takeoff, the pilot felt the presence of the gust lock and decided to abort the takeoff. However, insufficient runway remained to decelerate safely. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway and collided with a fence.
Contributing Factor
The pilot stated that his lack of close adherence to the checklist during the preflight inspection led to the failure to remove the gust lock.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove the control column's elevator gust lock due to not following the checklist closely during the night preflight inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Nov 1991 Cessna 421B accident near San Andreas, CA?
During a night preflight, the pilot did not follow the checklist closely and failed to remove the elevator gust lock. During takeoff roll, he felt the lock and aborted, but insufficient runway remained, causing an overrun into a fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 421B, registration N421DP, operated by Stanford P. Kibbe, at San Andreas, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to remove the control column's elevator gust lock due to not following the checklist closely during the night preflight inspection.
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