Casualties unknown

1999-09-06: Beech 95-A55 (N9576Y) — Bill G. Cantrell — Ada, OK

Ada, OK, US

On September 6, 1999, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N9576Y) operated by Bill G. Cantrell was involved in an aviation accident near Ada, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare/touchdown. Factors were the pilot's excessive approach speed and the partial failure of the seat guides for the pilot's seat. 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

An aircraft veered off the runway after a fast approach, traveled 500 yards, and penetrated a reinforced hangar door. Post-accident inspection found dislodged seat guides but no other anomalies.

Incident Overview

The pilot lost control of the airplane during the landing flare and touchdown phase. According to witness accounts, the approach speed was described as "fast." The pilot reported that after landing on runway 35, the airplane "veered left for unknown reasons." The aircraft subsequently departed the left side of the runway, traversed approximately 500 yards, and collided with a hangar. The hangar door, constructed of steel sheeting with three-inch steel reinforcements, was penetrated by the aircraft.

Pilot and Witness Statements

The pilot's statement indicated no awareness of the cause for the veer. A person who had previously flown with the pilot informed the Federal Aviation Administration that the pilot "likes to land hot," implying a tendency to land at higher speeds. No information regarding the pilot's training or experience was provided in the source.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airframe revealed that two of the three seat guides securing the pilot's seat legs to the seat tracks were spread open. The center and right seat guides were dislodged from the seat tracks. No other anomalies were found with the airframe or the engines. The condition of the seat guides may have affected the pilot's seat stability during the landing, but the source does not establish a causal link.

Additional Details

The incident occurred on runway 35. The aircraft exited the runway to the left, traveled over grass or unpaved surface for 500 yards before impacting the hangar. The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or time of day. No toxicology or medical findings were reported. Weather conditions and ATC involvement were not mentioned.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.