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September 22, 2005 · Convair Div Of Gen Dynamics 440 · N181FL

Kenosha, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
September 22, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kenosha, WI
Aircraft
Convair Div Of Gen Dynamics 440
Tail Number
N181FL
Operator
Gulf and Caribbean Cargo
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CHI05IA273

The airplane sustained minor damage during takeoff when the cargo shifted and the airplane settled on its tail. The takeoff was aborted and the airplane remained on the runway. The Captain reported that the flight had arrived at the airport at 2350. The flight crew un-strapped the freight, but left the cargo door closed due to thunderstorms in the area. The Captain reported that they waited for 1.5 hours for the ground crew to arrive to off-load the cargo. When the ground crew failed to arrive, the Captain contacted the company. The company requested the flight crew to reposition the airplane to another airport and have the cargo off-loaded there. The flight crew prepared for the flight by checking the weather and completing the required paperwork. The Captain reported, "Since we un-strapped the freight for off load almost 2 hours ago, we didn't think to check the freight." The Captain reported that they initiated its takeoff roll, but after about 400 feet, the cargo shifted and the airplane's tail struck the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight crew failed to verify that the cargo was secured before takeoff.

Full Narrative

On September 22, 2005, at 0120 central daylight time, a Convair 440, N181FL, operated by Gulf and Caribbean Cargo, Inc., sustained minor damage during an aborted takeoff from runway 24R (5,499 feet by 100 feet, concrete) at the Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW), Kenosha, Wisconsin. During takeoff roll, the cargo shifted and the airplane settled on its tail. The pilot and copilot were not injured. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 cargo flight was repositioning to the General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident. The flight was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The Captain reported that the flight had originally departed Tallahassee, Florida, with cargo to be off-loaded at ENW. After arriving at ENW at about 2350, the flight crew un-strapped the freight, but left the cargo door closed due to thunderstorms in the area. The Captain reported that they waited for 1.5 hours for the ground crew to arrive to off-load the cargo. When the ground crew failed to arrive, the Captain contacted the company. The company requested the flight crew to reposition the airplane to MKE and have the cargo off-loaded there. The flight crew prepared for the flight to MKE by checking the weather and completing the required paperwork. The Captain reported, "Since we un-strapped the freight for off load almost 2 hours ago, we didn't think to check the freight." The Captain reported that they initiated its takeoff roll, but after about 400 feet, the cargo shifted and the airplane's tail struck the runway. The Captain aborted the takeoff and the airplane remained on the runway. The Captain reported that the Before Start Checklist did not remind the flight crew to verify that the cargo was properly restrained. The operator reported that as a result of this incident, the operator will revise the FAA Approved Convair 580 Checklist to include an additional item to verify/confirm that all cargo aft of the cargo net is secured.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time01:20 CDT
Nearest AirportKenosha Regional (0nm)
Runway24R
Runway Length5499 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftConvair Div Of Gen Dynamics 440
Tail NumberN181FL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorGulf and Caribbean Cargo
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsAllison · 501D13 · Turboprop · 3750
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind190° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time06:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data