On July 8, 2001, a Cessna 402 (registration N760EA) operated by Cape Air was involved in an aviation accident near Boston-Logan, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to waive the wake turbulence hold time, and his subsequent loss of control when wake vortex turbulence was encountered. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot accepted an intersection departure and waived the wake turbulence holding time. After a preceding Boeing 737-300 departed, the pilot initiated takeoff. Following liftoff, the left wing dropped, struck the runway, and the airplane rolled inverted, sliding off the runway with a post-crash fire.
Accident Details
The pilot of the accident aircraft accepted an intersection departure and waived the required wake turbulence holding time. A Boeing 737-300 had departed ahead of him. According to the pilot, the Boeing's nosewheel lifted off the runway just as it passed his position. He also noted that the Boeing and its exhaust smoke drifted to the left of the runway's centerline. The tower controller issued a wake turbulence advisory and takeoff clearance, which the pilot acknowledged. The pilot then initiated the takeoff. After liftoff, the left wing dropped and contacted the runway, causing the airplane to roll inverted. The airplane slid off the left side of the runway, and a post-crash fire developed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's improper decision to waive the wake turbulence hold time, and his subsequent loss of control when wake vortex turbulence was encountered.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Jul 2001 Cessna 402 accident near Boston-Logan, United States of America?
A pilot accepted an intersection departure and waived the wake turbulence holding time. After a preceding Boeing 737-300 departed, the pilot initiated takeoff. Following liftoff, the left wing dropped, struck the runway, and the airplane rolled inverted, sliding off the runway with a post-crash fire.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 2001 Cessna 402 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Jul 2001 involved a Cessna 402, registration N760EA, operated by Cape Air, at Boston-Logan, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper decision to waive the wake turbulence hold time, and his subsequent loss of control when wake vortex turbulence was encountered.