Beechcraft C-99 N261SW

Summary

On 15 August 2023 at about 12:05 local time, a Beechcraft C-99 registered N261SW, operated by Ameriflight, LLC, was involved in an accident near Lansing, Michigan, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 August 2023 at 12:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Nearest airport

Captial Regional International (LAN)

Coordinates

42.7782, -84.5868

Aircraft

Beechcraft C-99

Registration

N261SW

Category

Airplane

Year built

1983

Engines

2

Operator

Ameriflight, LLC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lansing → Pellston

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN23LA363

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to properly set the rudder trim position which resulted in a loss of directional control during takeoff. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate checklist procedures prior to takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after a normal start and taxi, the airplane was cleared for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted right and the pilot corrected with the left rudder. When the airplane reached 100 knots, he rotated the airplane, and about 30 feet in altitude, the airplane experienced a roll to the right. The pilot tried to correct the roll with left rudder but was unable to provide sufficient left rudder. At this point, the airplane had drifted to the right of the runway and over the adjacent parallel taxiway. He was able to regain partial control by reducing engine power and banking the airplane to the left. The pilot attempted to land on the taxiway but was unable to judge his height above ground due to the low visibility, and subsequently impacted terrain to the right of the taxiway. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. Prior to exiting the airplane, the pilot noted that the rudder trim was set to the full nose-right position. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Prior to the accident, maintenance was completed that consisted of an “Event II & Routine” inspection. The inspection procedure required the rudder trim system to be lubricated, a trim tab free play inspection, and an operational check prior to returning the airplane to service. Review of the maintenance procedures revealed there was no guidance on returning the rudder trim control system back to a neutral position at completion of the inspection.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.