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NTSB Report
March 4, 1987 · Casa C-212-CC · N160FB
Romulus, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 4, 1987
Injury Outcomes
19 injuries (9 fatalities, 7 serious injuries, 3 minor injuries), 3 unknown outcomes
Location
Romulus, MI
Aircraft
Casa C-212-CC
Tail Number
N160FB
Operator
Fisher Brothers Aviation
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DCA87MA022
THE CAPT MADE A STEEP, SHORT, FAST VISUAL APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY BEHIND A DEPARTING DC-9. THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THE CAPT PLACED THE POWER LEVERS INTO BETA MODE TO SLOW THE AIRCRAFT RAPIDLY AND MAKE A SHORT FIELD LANDING. AN ASYMMETRIC THRUST CONDITION RESULTED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND AND THE CAPT COULD NOT RECOVER PRIOR TO IMPACT. IMPACT FORCES WERE SURVIVABLE. HOWEVER, THE FATALITIES WERE ATTRIBUTED TO A POSTCRASH FIRE, LACK OF FIRE-BLOCKING MATERIAL, AND POORLY DESIGNED AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED INCORRECT SPRINGS INSTALLED IN THE PROPELLERS AND HIGHER THAT NORMAL FUEL FLOW SETTINGS. THE EXAMINATION OF THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS INDICATED INEFFECTIVEMANAGEMENT OF BILATERAL TYPE CERTIFICATION BY THE FAA. (FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE NTSB/AAR-88/08.)
Full Narrative
THE CAPT MADE A STEEP, SHORT, FAST VISUAL APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY BEHIND A DEPARTING DC-9. THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THE CAPT PLACED THE POWER LEVERS INTO BETA MODE TO SLOW THE AIRCRAFT RAPIDLY AND MAKE A SHORT FIELD LANDING. AN ASYMMETRIC THRUST CONDITION RESULTED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND AND THE CAPT COULD NOT RECOVER PRIOR TO IMPACT. IMPACT FORCES WERE SURVIVABLE. HOWEVER, THE FATALITIES WERE ATTRIBUTED TO A POSTCRASH FIRE, LACK OF FIRE-BLOCKING MATERIAL, AND POORLY DESIGNED AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED INCORRECT SPRINGS INSTALLED IN THE PROPELLERS AND HIGHER THAT NORMAL FUEL FLOW SETTINGS. THE EXAMINATION OF THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS INDICATED INEFFECTIVEMANAGEMENT OF BILATERAL TYPE CERTIFICATION BY THE FAA. (FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE NTSB/AAR-88/08.)
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:34 EST
Nearest AirportDetroit Metro (0nm N)
Runway21R
Runway Length10501 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCasa C-212-CC
Tail NumberN160FB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorFisher Brothers Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarrett · TPE-331-10R · Turboprop · 900
Seats25
People & Injuries
Injury Summary19 injuries (9 fatalities, 7 serious injuries, 3 minor injuries), 3 unknown outcomes
Fatal9
Serious7
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total22
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC