On July 19, 2007, a Lockheed 382G-44K-30 (registration N401LC) operated by Lynden Air Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance between the aircraft and the gravel runway during takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike that punctured the fuselage skin and pressure vessel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a complete loss of cabin pressurization shortly after departing a gravel runway. Investigation revealed that the tail section had struck the ground during takeoff, puncturing the fuselage skin and compromising the pressure vessel integrity.
What happened
The pilot, holding an airline transport pilot certificate, operated a positioning flight under the regulations of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The departure occurred from a gravel runway surface. During the initial climb phase after takeoff, the aircraft's cabin pressurization system failed to function.
The investigation
Upon arrival at the destination airport, a detailed inspection of the airframe was conducted. Inspectors discovered that the tail section had dragged along the gravel runway during the takeoff roll. This contact caused significant damage to the exterior structure.
Findings
The physical examination confirmed that the tail strike punctured both the outer skin and the internal pressure vessel of the fuselage. This structural breach directly resulted in the inability to maintain cabin pressurization during flight. The primary causal factor was identified as tail contact with the runway surface during the takeoff phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance between the aircraft and the gravel runway during takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike that punctured the fuselage skin and pressure vessel.
