On March 13, 2003, a Beech V35B (registration N35SR) was involved in an aviation accident near Humacao, PR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to disengage the yaw damper before landing, which resulted in a locked rudder and loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during landing on runway 10, the airplane veered left after touchdown, impacted a ditch. The pilot realized he had not disengaged the yaw damper, causing a locked rudder.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported landing on runway 10. During the rollout, the airplane veered to the left and impacted a ditch. The pilot stated that on the downwind leg, he completed a landing check and believed the yaw damper was "disengaged," but did not physically verify its status. Just before touchdown, he felt lateral directional movement, and the nose "kicked left a few degrees." He attempted to steer the airplane back to the center of the runway, but the rudder was "locked." He then realized he had not disengaged the yaw damper, and his attempts to correct the airplane's directional control were unsuccessful. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, traveled through tall weeds, and "dropped into a ditch." The pilot added that he had landed with a crosswind from the left.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to disengage the yaw damper before landing, which resulted in a locked rudder and loss of directional control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Mar 2003 Beech V35B accident near Humacao, PR?
A pilot reported that during landing on runway 10, the airplane veered left after touchdown, impacted a ditch. The pilot realized he had not disengaged the yaw damper, causing a locked rudder.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Mar 2003 Beech V35B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Mar 2003 involved a Beech V35B, registration N35SR, at Humacao, PR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to disengage the yaw damper before landing, which resulted in a locked rudder and loss of directional control.
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