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Airspeed Indicator Malfunction During Takeoff Leads to Runway Overrun (N4783M)

West Chester, PA, US

On May 21, 2001, a Beech 55 (registration N4783M) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chester, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial blockage of the pitot/static system, which led to an inaccurate airspeed indication, and resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway overrun. A factor was the wet runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted takeoff after airspeed indicator failed to exceed 65 knots, but the aircraft overran the runway and stopped in a parking lot. Examination revealed a blocked pitot tube and a faulty airspeed indicator.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airspeed indicator did not exceed 65 knots. He subsequently aborted the takeoff, but the airplane continued off the end of the runway and came to rest in a parking lot.

System Examination

An airspeed calibration test was conducted, which revealed that the airspeed indicator read approximately 10 knots higher than the test equipment. Further inspection of the pitot-static system found that the pitot tube was obstructed with a "corrosion-type material."

Airspeed Indicator Bench Test

The airspeed indicator was removed from the airplane and bench tested. The bench test showed that the indicator read approximately 4–5 knots higher than the test equipment.

Previous System Check

The most recent pitot-static system check had been performed on March 14, 2001.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 May 2001 Beech 55 accident near West Chester, PA?

A pilot aborted takeoff after airspeed indicator failed to exceed 65 knots, but the aircraft overran the runway and stopped in a parking lot. Examination revealed a blocked pitot tube and a faulty airspeed indicator.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 2001 Beech 55 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 May 2001 involved a Beech 55, registration N4783M, at West Chester, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The partial blockage of the pitot/static system, which led to an inaccurate airspeed indication, and resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway overrun. A factor was the wet runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010529X01020. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.