Casualties unknown

2003-09-13: Beech 58 (N258SJ) — Kneeland, CA

Kneeland, CA, US

On September 13, 2003, a Beech 58 (registration N258SJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Kneeland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: poor braking action due to the undulating runway surface and crumbling asphalt resulting in an on ground encounter with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

During landing on runway 33, the pilot encountered poor braking due to a deteriorated surface and intentionally steered left to avoid a 500-foot embankment. The airplane departed the runway, went down an embankment, and all landing gear collapsed.

Event Summary

The pilot conducted a landing roll on runway 33. During the roll, poor braking action was experienced due to a deteriorated runway surface. Approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway, the pilot intentionally initiated a left turn in an attempt to prevent the airplane from going off the runway end and down a 500-foot embankment. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway surface onto a dirt area adjacent to the displaced threshold. Subsequently, the airplane went down a descending embankment. As the airplane continued the left turn, all three landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest with the right wing on a berm.

Runway Conditions

Runway 33 is 2,270 feet in length with a 0.05 percent up runway gradient. The asphalt surface is oxidized and deteriorating, with fractured surface areas and open seams. There is an undulating surface on the northwest end of runway 15/33. Runway 33 has a steep approach angle due to trees on the approach path to the 40-foot displaced threshold. At the time, the wind was 5 knots and variable out of the west.

Aircraft Behavior

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with any system during the event. The poor braking action was attributed solely to the runway surface condition. The intentional left turn was executed as a corrective action to avoid overrunning the runway and descending the embankment.

Outcome

Following the collapse of the landing gear, the airplane sustained damage. The aircraft came to rest with the right wing on a berm. No further details about the aircraft condition or occupants were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031219X02070. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.