Accident Overview
On November 11, 2015, at about 0950 central standard time, a Cessna 208B (registration N617ST) tipped backward and the tail struck the pavement while the aircraft was parked on the ramp at Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK), Grand Forks, North Dakota. The pilot and nine passengers on board were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. It was registered to and operated by Sartec Corporation of Anoka, Minnesota, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and an instrument flight plan had been filed. The flight had originated from Anoka, Minnesota, at approximately 0730 and was destined for KGFK.
Sequence of Events
According to statements from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and the pilot's loss statement, the airplane had landed and taxied to the ramp. As the pilot exited the aircraft, he instructed the passengers to remain seated. While deplaning to attach the tail stand, the airplane tipped backward and struck the pavement with its tail. The pilot then reboarded and instructed the passengers to leave their seats and move forward, which caused the airplane to right itself.
Aircraft Damage
The FAA inspector noted that the forward bulkhead for the horizontal stabilizer attachment point was crushed and torn. Additionally, three stringers, another bulkhead, and the lower skin were damaged.
Investigation Findings
The inspector reported that due to the uncooperative attitude of the pilot, most investigative data was obtained from the airplane's registered owner, insurance company, and repair facility. Passenger information included a seating chart with individual locations and weights. Aircraft data included weight and balance (W&B) information and a loading chart from the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), as well as seat center of gravity (CG) locations from a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) interior. Fuel load was derived from the pilot's statement on the insurance loss statement, indicating 800 pounds. Using this information, a weight and balance calculation was performed, and the aircraft's center of gravity was found to be aft of the aft CG limit.