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NTSB Report
December 16, 1989 · British Aerospace BAE 3101 · N851JS
Staunton, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 16, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (20 uninjured)
Location
Staunton, VA
Aircraft
British Aerospace BAE 3101
Tail Number
N851JS
Operator
Usair Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90FA012
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRPLANE WITH THE RUNWAY HEADING DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: AIRPORT PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT RUNWAY MARKING AND EDGE LIGHTS WERE ADEQUATELY CLEARED OF SNOW, ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL (NIGHT/WEATHER/TERRAIN/RUNWAY) CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF VISUAL PERCEPTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRPLANE WITH THE RUNWAY HEADING DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: AIRPORT PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT RUNWAY MARKING AND EDGE LIGHTS WERE ADEQUATELY CLEARED OF SNOW, ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL (NIGHT/WEATHER/TERRAIN/RUNWAY) CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF VISUAL PERCEPTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:33 EST
Nearest AirportShenandoah Valley (0nm N)
Runway23
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBritish Aerospace BAE 3101
Tail NumberN851JS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUsair Express
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarrett · TPE 331 · Turboprop · 940
Seats21
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (20 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured20
Total20
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind260° @ 7 kt, gusting 15 kt
Ceiling500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:30
Weather SourceWFAC