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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

November 8, 2001 · Smith Aerostar 601 · N128AC

Danville, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Danville, IL
Aircraft
Smith Aerostar 601
Tail Number
N128AC
Operator
Name
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA022

The airplane veered off of the runway during landing. The pilot reported that during the landing, he heard a loud noise and then the airplane veered off of the runway. Upon inspection, the landing gear scissor assembly was found broken loose from the upper mounting collar on the landing gear strut and the lower strut was rotated about 90 degrees. A request was made that the broken parts be sent to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator for further examination. The parts were not received. No other anomalies were found with the airplane or its systems that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of the main landing gear scissor assembly during landing for undetermined reasons, resulting in the directional control of the airplane not being possible.

Full Narrative

On November 8, 2001, about 1145 central standard time, a Smith Aerostar 601, N128AC, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during landing on runway 34 (3,999 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) at the Vermillion County Airport, Danville, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight was on an instrument flight rules flight plan and was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from the General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about 1045. The pilot reported that during the landing, he heard a loud noise and the airplane veered off of the runway. Upon inspection, the landing gear scissor assembly was found broken loose from the upper mounting collar on the landing gear strut and the lower strut was rotated about 90 degrees. A request was made that the broken parts be sent to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator for further examination. As of March 8, 2002, the parts had not been received. No other anomalies were found with the airplane or its systems that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CST
Nearest AirportVermilion County (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length3999 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Aerostar 601
Tail NumberN128AC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorName
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 290 | Lycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 13 kt
Visibility5 sm
Ceiling1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 52
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data