Beechcraft BE-45-T-34B N9280Z

Summary

On 14 May 1998 at about 21:57 local time, a Beechcraft BE-45-T-34B registered N9280Z was involved in an accident near Montgomery, Alabama, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 May 1998 at 21:57

Classification

Accident

Location

Montgomery, Alabama, United States

Nearest airport

Maxwell Air Force Base (MXF)

Coordinates

32.3801, -86.3493

Aircraft

Beechcraft BE-45-T-34B

Registration

N9280Z

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL98FA076

1 person was seriously injured.

The installation of an incorrect engine nose seal that subsequently dislodged from the normally installed position, and resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was the loss of engine oil.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

At 1654, Caveat 7 was cleared for takeoff from runway 15 at Maxwell AFB. At 1657, the pilot reported he had oil on his windshield. The tower controller watched as the airplane entered a steep left turn. The airplane collided with the ground about 250 feet northeast of a Burger King Restaurant, and burst into flames. The passenger stated after takeoff, at 500 feet, the passenger and pilot both noticed oil on the windscreen. After the pilot turned downwind for the forced landing, the engine began to sputter. At this point, the windscreen was completely covered with oil. The passenger stated the airplane then nosed down, banked 45 degrees to the left, and they returned to level flight before impacting the parking lot. According to Aero Club maintenance personnel, the engine was scheduled for removal the following day. The engines' total time was at TBO (time between overhaul). After the accident, It was noted, during the engine examination, that the crankshaft rubber seal assembly (nose seal) was approximately one inch forward of its normally installed position. It was also noted the nose seal was not the correct part as described in the engine parts manual.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.