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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 2, 1997 · Beech 95-B55 · N6663C

Longview, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
July 2, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Longview, TX
Aircraft
Beech 95-B55
Tail Number
N6663C
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
FTW97IA248

The flight instructor reported that while taxiing to parking, the 'student started a right turn that was too tight and I applied left rudder to stop the turn.' The flight instructor further reported that there was an audible 'pop' and the left rudder pedal went to the floor. He said they stopped the airplane and pushed it into its parking space. Postincident examination of the rudder system revealed that the rudder pedal bell crank from the right seat side was broken. The airplane manufacturer's Metallurgical Engineering Laboratory examined the bell crank's aft arm fracture and determined that it failed due to 'overload.' They further determined that there were no indications of preexisting cracks and/or material defects in the bell crank's aft arm.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the rudder pedal bell crank from the right seat side due to an overload fracture.

Full Narrative

On July 2, 1997, approximately 1100 central daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N6663C, experienced a failure of the rudder system while taxiing at Gregg County Airport, near Longview, Texas. The flight instructor, his student, and a passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated by LeTourneau University of Longview, Texas, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local multiengine instructional flight which had originated approximately 60 minutes before the incident. No flight plan had been filed. The flight instructor reported to the investigator-in-charge (IIC) that while taxiing to parking, the "student started a right turn that was too tight and I applied left rudder to stop the turn." The flight instructor further reported that there was an audible "pop" and the left rudder pedal went to the floor. He said they stopped the airplane and pushed it into its parking space. Postincident examination of the rudder system revealed that the rudder pedal bell crank from the right seat side was broken. The airplane manufacturer's Metallurgical Engineering Laboratory examined the bell crank's aft arm fracture and determined that it failed due to "overload." They further determined that there were no indications of preexisting cracks and/or material defects in the bell crank's aft arm (see attached metallurgical report).

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportGregg County Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 95-B55
Tail NumberN6663C
Aircraft CategoryAir
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470L21B · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data