Casualties unknown

1998-07-25: Beech F33A (N350NW) — Delavan, WI

Delavan, WI, US

On July 25, 1998, a Beech F33A (registration N350NW) was involved in an aviation accident near Delavan, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight, his operation of an airplane with a known deficiency, low air pressure on both main tires, the snow fence,… 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 Beech F33A veered sharply left during takeoff after the pilot was warned the left tire appeared low. Post-accident inspection showed left main tire at 22 psi, below the POH range of 33-40 psi.

Event Details

The pilot added full power and began the takeoff roll. Within 150 feet of the start, the airplane veered sharply to the left despite full right rudder application. The pilot reported having no steering control.

Witness Observations

A witness observed the airplane roll forward normally for approximately two to three seconds. The nose then started rotating upward, and immediately the airplane veered sharply left, exiting the runway onto the grass. The engine remained at full power until ground impact.

Prior to the accident, another witness flagged down the pilot during taxi and informed him that the airplane's left tire appeared low on air. The witness offered to help inflate the tire, but the pilot elected to continue taxiing to the runway.

Examination and Specifications

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed the left main landing gear tire pressure at 22 psi. The right main landing gear tire pressure was 26 psi. The Beech F33A Pilot Operating Handbook specifies normal tire pressure for the main landing gear tires in a range of 33 to 40 psi.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10525. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.