No fatalities

1 Jul 2018: Beech 58 TC — Mackinac Island, MI

Mackinac Island, MI, United States

On 1 Jul 2018, a Beech 58 TC was involved in an aviation accident near Mackinac Island, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to remove the pitot tube cover during the preflight inspection, which resulted in his delayed decision to reject the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a twin-engine airplane's airspeed indicator failed, prompting a rejected takeoff. The aircraft overran the 3,500-foot runway into a grassy area and struck a fence. Post-accident inspection revealed the pitot tube cover was not removed.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of a twin-engine airplane reported that during the takeoff roll on a 3,500-foot runway, the airspeed indicator did not show an airspeed. He rejected the takeoff and attempted to brake, but stated that "full braking [was] not initially possible due to lift." The airplane subsequently overran the runway onto a downhill grass area and struck a wood fence.

Inspection and Findings

During a post-accident inspection, the pilot discovered that the pitot tube cover had not been removed before the flight. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft Performance Information

According to the manufacturer, the typical takeoff roll for the airplane is approximately 1,336 feet, and the approximate landing roll is 1,440 feet.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

Pilot's Comments

The pilot noted that his preflight memory list consisted of: fuel, oil, tires, props, and surfaces. He stated that he will now add "chocks, cowl plugs, pitot tube covers" to the list.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotCapability exceededInadequate inspection

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome