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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

September 8, 2004 · Beech B-60 · N1551L

Casper, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Casper, WY
Aircraft
Beech B-60
Tail Number
N1551L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04LA140

The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the ramp, when the airplane's nose gear struck a storm drain, causing it to collapse and substantially damaging the wheel well. A postaccident examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed that the nose gear bolt, spacer and nut were missing. No other anomalies were noted. According to the pilot, the bolt had been replaced on September 1, 2004. In an FAA interview with the mechanic, it was discovered that the Beech maintenance procedures had not been followed while servicing the nose gear.

NTSB Probable Cause

the missing nose gear assembly bolt, spacer and nut resulting in a gear collapse due to improper maintenance procedures. Contributing to the accident was the collision with the storm drain.

Full Narrative

On September 8, 2004, at approximately 1415 mountain daylight time, a Beech B-60, N1551L, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while taxiing at Natrona County International Airport (CPR), Casper, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The business flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated in Riverton, Wyoming, at approximately 1130. According to the accident report submitted by the pilot, he had been taxiing south on Alpha taxiway and was departing the taxiway en route to the Trajen Air ramp area when the nose gear struck a storm drain. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane skid approximately 6 to 10 feet before coming to rest on its nose. Both propellers struck the ground and the wheel well structure was crushed and torn. According to the ramp agent that was marshalling the airplane to parking, the airplane was taxiing at a slow pace when it impacted the storm drain, bounced, collapsing the nose gear and slid. A postaccident examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed that the nose gear bolt, spacer and nut were missing. No other anomalies were noted. According to the pilot, the bolt had been replaced on September 1, 2004. In an FAA interview with the mechanic, it was discovered that the Beech maintenance procedures had not been followed while servicing the nose gear. The difference in elevation between the storm drain and the abutting pavement was 1 inch. Title 14 CFR Part 139.305, Paved Areas, states that, "The pavement edges must not exceed 3 inches difference in elevation between abutting pavement sections and between pavement and abutting areas."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 MDT
Nearest AirportNatrona County Intnl Airport (1nm SSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech B-60
Tail NumberN1551L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-541-E1A4 · Reciprocating · 390 | Lycoming · TIO-541-E1A4 · Reciprocating · 390
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind250° @ 17 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data