On June 4, 1993, a Beech A23-24 (registration N4741J) operated by Havre Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Havre, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxiing, which resulted in the landing gear striking soft dirt and entering a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control while taxiing to a road for takeoff when the left main gear struck soft dirt and entered a ditch, causing the aircraft to spin into a bank.
What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft from a private farm yard, preparing to use an adjacent road for the upcoming departure. While taxiing toward this designated runway strip, the operator navigated a sharp 90-degree turn. During the maneuver, the left main landing gear encountered soft dirt on the shoulder of the path. This contact caused the aircraft to veer abruptly to the left.
Attempting to regain control and continue the takeoff roll, the pilot applied additional engine power. However, the left wheel subsequently dropped into a roadside ditch. The impact and resistance from the ditch caused the aircraft to spin uncontrollably into the adjacent bank.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxiing, which resulted in the landing gear striking soft dirt and entering a ditch.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jun 1993 Beech A23-24 accident near Havre, MT?
A pilot lost control while taxiing to a road for takeoff when the left main gear struck soft dirt and entered a ditch, causing the aircraft to spin into a bank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1993 involved a Beech A23-24, registration N4741J, operated by Havre Flying Club, at Havre, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxiing, which resulted in the landing gear striking soft dirt and entering a ditch.
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