FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair in Landing Accident at Lansing Airport (N588K)

Lansing, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 24, 1971, a Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan (registration N588K) operated by Richard E. Ross was involved in an aviation accident near Lansing, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. The following factors were reported: - Improper level off, - Failed to follow the approved procedures, - Failure of the landing gear: normal retraction/extension assembly, - Failure of the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crash-landed at Lansing Airport in south Chicago, Illinois, following an improper level off. Both occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident

A twin-engine airplane crash-landed at Lansing Airport, located south of Chicago, Illinois. The accident occurred after an improper level off during the approach. Both occupants onboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's attempt to operate the aircraft with known deficiencies in equipment. The following factors were reported:

  • Improper level off
  • Failure to follow approved procedures
  • Failure of the landing gear normal retraction/extension assembly
  • Failure of the flaps assemblies
  • Disregard of good operating practice
  • The aircraft was not airworthy
  • The pilot ferried the aircraft without a ferry permit
  • The gear and flaps were inoperable
  • Two flight control surfaces were missing
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Dec 1971 Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan accident near Lansing, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crash-landed at Lansing Airport in south Chicago, Illinois, following an improper level off. Both occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Dec 1971 Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Dec 1971 involved a Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan, registration N588K, operated by Richard E. Ross, at Lansing, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. The following factors were reported: - Improper level off, - Failed to follow the approved procedures, - Failure of the landing gear: normal retraction/extension assembly, - Failure of the flaps assemblies, - Disregard of good operating practice, -…

More accident analyses