Casualties unknown

1997-06-04: Beech 60 (N7396D) — Pueblo, CO

Pueblo, CO, US

On June 4, 1997, a Beech 60 (registration N7396D) was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: loss of power in the right engine and failure of the right propeller to feather for undetermined reasons. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure or inability to align the airplane with the runway during the forced landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported right engine power loss during cruise at 11,000 feet. Unable to feather propeller or maintain altitude, declared emergency. On approach, airplane struck runway with right main gear, lost control, and gear collapsed.

Pilot's Report

The pilot reported that the right engine lost power while the airplane was in cruise flight at 11,000 feet. He attempted to feather the propeller but was unsuccessful. The airplane began losing altitude, and the pilot could not arrest the descent. He returned the throttle to the full power position, declared an emergency, and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.

As the airplane approached the airport, the pilot observed that he was almost perpendicular to the runway of intended landing, about 50 feet above the ground, and at low airspeed. During the turn to align the airplane, the right main landing gear struck the runway. The pilot lost directional control, and the airplane skidded sideways. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a halt.

Engine Tests and Performance

Both engines were later functionally tested and operated normally at full power. According to the Beech Aircraft Corporation, under the conditions that prevailed, the airplane had an approximate 200 feet per minute single engine rate of climb and a single engine service ceiling of 15,700 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08115. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.