# NTSB ATL92LA070: Beech C-23, N6003Z, Dalton, GA, March 28, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1992, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Dalton, GA
- Coordinates: 34.75962, -84.969001 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7596&lon=-84.9690&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8579
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA070
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8579/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA070

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR GUSTING WINDS WHILE TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF WHICH RESULTED IN A LOST OF CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS GUSTING QUARTERING TAIL WINDS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - terrain condition - ravine

## Analysis

WHILE TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF, AT APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, AND APPROACHING THE RUNUP AREA, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ROLLED DOWN A 30 FOOT RAVINE. REPORTEDLY, THE PILOT WAS BRAKING TO SLOW THE AIRPLANE WHEN THE RIGHT WHEEL LOCKED. EXAMINATION OF THE TAXIWAY DISCLOSED LATERAL RIGHT TIRE MARKS, BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF BRAKING UNTIL THE AIRPLANE ROLLED OFF THE TAXIWAY INTO THE GRASSY AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORTED WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS FROM THE LEFT REAR QUARTER OF THE TAXIING AIRPLANE. ANOTHER AIRPLANE TAXIING BEHIND THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE DID NOT REPORT EXPERIENCING CONTROL DIFFICULTY. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE ALSO FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED NORMAL OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6003Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6003Z), registered now, S/N M-2118 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C-23
- Registry model: [Beech C23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c23) (registry code 1151242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M2118
- Airframe hours: 2020
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willis, James L.
- Registered owner: Willis, James L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1991, 43 hours before
- Departed: DNN
- Destination: HDI, CLEVELAND, TN
- Airport: DNN, Dalton Municipal, runway 32, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 185 total, 95 in this make and model, 146 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 11 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DNN, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920328007609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920328007609A), Mar 28, 1992: Beech C23, Dalton, GA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported brake locked while taxiing in crosswind. Went off runway and down embankment.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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