Casualties unknown

1993-04-26: Beech 58 (N158WB) — Jay M. Supkoff — Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ, US

On April 26, 1993, a Beech 58 (registration N158WB) operated by Jay M. Supkoff was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, HIS FAILURE TO COMPELTELY SECURE THE AFT UTILITY DOOR, AND HIS FAILURE TO RECONFIGURE THE TRIM TABS TO A TAKEOFF SETTING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During departure on runway 11L with a 9-knot tailwind, a twin-engine airplane pitched up abruptly after rotation, veered right, and impacted ground 2000 ft beyond rotation and 1500 ft right of centerline. Examination revealed unlatched aft utility doors, elevator trim in landing configuration (9° down), and rudder trim at 20° left deflection. No mechanical discrepancies were found.

Pilot Information

The pilot had recently purchased the twin-engine airplane and had accumulated about 123 total hours of multi-engine time, with approximately 115 hours in the accident airplane.

Accident Sequence

Witnesses stated that just after rotation, the airplane pitched up abruptly and rotated to the right. It then impacted the ground about 2,000 feet beyond the approximate point of rotation and about 1,500 feet to the right of the runway center line. The airplane was departing on runway 11L from taxiway 6 with a nine-knot tailwind and 9,950 feet of runway available.

Post-Crash Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the aft utility doors were unlatched. The aft door was rotated rearward against the fuselage, and the extension limiting hinges were sheared at the hinge pin. The elevator trim tabs were found in the landing configuration with tab deflections at about 9 degrees down. The rudder trim tab was found with a 20-degree left deflection.

Engine Examination

Both engines were removed to an engine overhaul facility for detailed examination. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and power and rotation signatures were evident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12157. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.