Casualties unknown

1999-07-23: Beech G18S (N621KE) — May Air Express — Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, MN, US

On July 23, 1999, a Beech G18S (registration N621KE) operated by May Air Express was involved in an aviation accident near Minneapolis, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the premature gear retraction and proper runway alignment not maintained during takeoff by the pilot. An additional cause was the proper descent rate not maintained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the carburetor icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

After departure, the right engine lost power at 300 feet. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on the runway, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the left main landing gear. Post-crash examination found no anomalies.

Incident Overview

The aircraft departed from an 8,200-foot long runway. While crossing 300 feet altitude and turning through 080 degrees to the assigned heading of 020, the right engine stopped developing power.

Pilot Actions

The pilot checked the throttles, mixtures, and propeller controls full forward, engaged the boost pumps, and selected the fuel to the MAIN tanks. He then decided to turn back to the runway for an emergency landing.

Control Difficulties

During the turn toward the dead engine, the pilot reported that he felt the airplane was going to roll over, so he retarded the left engine to idle. This resulted in a high sink rate, which he attempted to correct by increasing left engine power. Again feeling a loss of control, he idled the left engine once more.

Final Approach and Landing

The pilot lowered the landing gear, flattened the attitude, and landed hard onto the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the right engine resumed power, after which the pilot secured both mixtures.

Post-Crash Examination

Federal Aviation Administration personnel examined the aircraft and reported no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19212. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.