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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 14, 1996 · Beech C-45H · N9772Z

Marshall, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (11 uninjured)
Location
Marshall, MI
Aircraft
Beech C-45H
Tail Number
N9772Z
Operator
Skydive Michigan
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA243

The pilot reported that the winds were from 260 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll on runway 28, at about 60 miles per hour, he 'began to bring the tail up for a wheel takeoff.... The airplane began to veer to the left.' He 'attempted to get the airplane straight with right rudder and right brake. The airplane ran off of the runway and ground looped on top of a hill.' The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage and empennage. Examination of skid marks on the runway revealed that the right side skid mark was 'more pronounced' than the left side skid mark. No evidence of flight control or brake malfunction was discovered.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind (quartering headwind) was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 14, 1996, at 1250 eastern daylight time, a Beech C-45H, N9772Z, operated by Skydive Michigan, sustained substantial damage when it ground looped during the takeoff roll in Marshall, Michigan. The pilot and ten passengers reported no injury. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 parachute flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported that he checked the weather via DUATS and a personal observation. He reported that the winds were from 260 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll on runway 28, at about 60 miles per hour, he "began to bring the tail up for a wheel takeoff.... The airplane began to veer to the left." He "attempted to get the airplane straight with right rudder and right brake. The airplane ran off of the runway and ground looped on top of a hill." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage and empennage. He shut down the engines and "everyone" egressed the airplane uneventfully. The pilot reported no evidence of engine or propeller malfunction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, who examined the accident site and the airplane, reported that the airplane departed the left side of the runway. His examination of skid marks on the runway revealed that the right side skid mark was "more pronounced" than the left side skid mark. He reported no evidence of flight control or brake malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 EDT
Nearest AirportBrooks Field (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech C-45H
Tail NumberN9772Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSkydive Michigan
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (11 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured11
Total11
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data