Casualties unknown

1997-07-18: Cessna 320E (N3425Q) — W. Yellowstone, MT

W. Yellowstone, MT, US

On July 18, 1997, a Cessna 320E (registration N3425Q) was involved in an aviation accident near W. Yellowstone, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing when asymmetric power was applied. A factor was the crosswind conditions. 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 private pilot lost directional control during a crosswind landing, causing the twin-engine airplane to depart the runway and sustain substantial damage. The right engine failed to respond to throttle inputs.

Accident Details

During final approach in a twin-engine airplane, the private pilot attempted to compensate for crosswind conditions by using power. The airplane began to drift off the east (left) side of the runway. The pilot reported that the right engine did not respond to throttle inputs during the landing. Subsequently, directional control was lost, and the airplane impacted rough, grassy terrain off the edge of the runway. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.

Engine Examination

Post-accident examination of both propellers revealed damage consistent with applied power on the left engine and no power on the right engine. A functional test of the right engine and an examination of the right engine throttle controls did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical discrepancies that would have resulted in a power loss or hesitation.

Maintenance History

According to maintenance records, the right engine had recently been rebuilt by the manufacturer and installed on the airplane. Prior to the accident flight, the airplane underwent an annual inspection and was operated for 6.2 hours during six flights with no problems noted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.