A-68-034
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
1. "A SUITABLE PRODUCTION CHANGE BE INCORP-IN ALL AFFECTED BEECH AIRCRAFT. THE GOAL OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE, SUCH AS TANK BAFFLING, TANK SURGE CHAMBER, AND/OR FUEL OUTLET PLUMBING RECONFIGURATION, SHOULD BE THE PROVISION OF A DEPENDABLE FUEL SUPPLY FROM EACH TANK IN USE, THROUGHOUT THE DECLARED USEABLE FUEL RANGE, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF SUCH AS TURNING TAKEOFFS AND UNCOORDINATED FLIGHT MANEUVERS." 2. "ALL AFFECTED BEECH AIRCRAFT INSERVICE, AS WELL AS THOSE THAT WILL GO INTO SERVICE BEFORE THE ABOVE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTION CHANGE BECOMES EFFECTIVE, BE PROVIDED WITH COCKPIT PLACARDS BY ISSUANCE OF AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE. THE PLACARD SHOULD PROVIDE INFORMATION AS IN BEECHCRAFT AFM SUPPLEMENT OF PART NO. 130776." 3. "GENERAL AVIATION CERTIFICATION CRITERIA BE MADE MORE STRINGENT BY REGULATIONS AND/OR IMPLEMENTING INTERPRETATION THEREOF, SO THAT BASIC DESIGN DEFICIENCIES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE PERPETUATED OVER MANY YEARS OF OTHERWISE TREMENDOUS TECHNICAL ADVANCE.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB urges the FAA to mandate design modifications for specific Beech aircraft to ensure a reliable fuel supply during various flight maneuvers. For planes already in service, the agency should require warning labels that inform pilots about proper fuel management procedures. Additionally, the recommendation calls for stricter certification rules to prevent similar design flaws from persisting in future aircraft models.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Mar 2, 1970 |
| NTSB number | DIA69A0028 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).