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Torque Link Separation During Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion (N473FW)

Broomfield, CO, US

On November 21, 1992, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 (registration N473FW) operated by Wayne C. Muhler was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Torque link not properly connected after towing, resulting in separation during takeoff. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a cross-country flight preparation in a snow storm, the aircraft was towed out of the hangar. The torque link was not properly connected, separated during takeoff, causing loss of nose wheel steering. The aborted takeoff resulted in a runway excursion and damage.

Incident Overview

In preparation for a cross-country flight, the aircraft was loaded inside a hangar while a snow storm was occurring. After loading, personnel from a fixed-base operator (FBO) towed the aircraft out of the hangar. Following the tow, the torque link on the nose landing gear was not properly connected. During the takeoff run, the torque link separated, leading to a loss of nose wheel steering. The flight crew initiated an aborted takeoff, but the aircraft departed the side of the runway. The nose wheel was sheared off during the excursion, causing damage to both engines, wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

Probable cause

Torque link not properly connected after towing, resulting in separation during takeoff.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Nov 1992 Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 accident near Broomfield, CO?

During a cross-country flight preparation in a snow storm, the aircraft was towed out of the hangar. The torque link was not properly connected, separated during takeoff, causing loss of nose wheel steering. The aborted takeoff resulted in a runway excursion and damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Nov 1992 Mitsubishi MU-2B-25 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Nov 1992 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2B-25, registration N473FW, operated by Wayne C. Muhler, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Torque link not properly connected after towing, resulting in separation during takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.