# NTSB CEN17LA104: Beech D55, N88EB, Columbus, OH, February 14, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 14, 2017, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Columbus, OH - Coordinates: 39.901111, -83.136947 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9011&lon=-83.1369&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 25, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration, Continental Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 94727 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN17LA104 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94727/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94727 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA104 ## Probable cause The partial loss of left engine power during takeoff and initial climb, which led to a hard landing in gusting crosswind conditions. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because postaccident examination of the left engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech D55, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Beech D55, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech D55, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Beech D55, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Beech D55, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) - [Landing: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330); cases with it: [Beech D55, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=1152730), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) ## Analysis The two multiengine-rated pilots departed in the multiengine airplane for a local personal flight in gusting crosswinds. The left seat pilot reported that he wanted to get current on his takeoffs and landings and that he performed the taxi and takeoff procedure. During the climbout, the left engine began to lose power. The left seat pilot gave the right seat pilot control of the airplane, and the right seat pilot conducted the landing. The left main landing gear struck the runway hard, which resulted in the collapse of the gear. A postaccident examination of the left engine and the fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. ## Factual narrative On February 14, 2017, about 1330 eastern standard time, a Beech D55 airplane, N88EB, impacted runway 22 at the Bolton Field Airport (TZR), near Columbus, Ohio, following a loss of left engine power during takeoff. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial fuselage and wing damage when the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane was registered to Absten Aviation LLC and was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which did not operate on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from TZR at the time of the accident.According to information provided by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the pilot seated in the left seat reported that he wanted to get current on his takeoffs and landings. He performed the taxi and takeoff procedure. The left seated pilot stated that after rotation, the airplane began to climb. About 50 feet above ground level, the left engine began to lose power and its rpm began dropping to around 1,700 rpm. He told the right seated pilot that he was giving him control of the airplane. The right seated pilot tried to land the airplane within the remaining runway. The left main landing gear struck hard on the runway. The right seated pilot was able to stop the airplane on the prepared runway surface. The pilots thought the tire had blown during the hard landing. However, the left main landing gear had collapsed. According to the pilot in command's accident report, seconds after rotation when the airplane was about 12 feet above ground level and at minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc) "plus 3" the left engine had a "power loss." As emergency procedures were performed, the airplane drifted left of the runway where it reached a maximum height of 24 feet at a maximum speed of Vmc "plus 6." During a forced landing to last 1,500 feet of runway at 30-degree descent angle, the airplane sustained a hard landing. The airplane was steered on the ground back to the runway centerline. Upon brake application, the left upper strut housing failed and the left engine sustained a propeller strike. The airplane then skidded to stop on the centerline about 500 feet from the runway end with no fire or fluid leaks. At 1349, the recorded weather at TZR was: Wind 260 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 24 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 11 degrees C; dew point -2 degrees C; altimeter 29.81 inches of mercury. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and an Air Safety Investigator from the engine manufacturer examined the wreckage. During the examination of the left engine, top spark plugs were removed and they exhibited dark combustion deposits with normal wear. All cylinders were inspected with a lighted bore scope and no anomalies noted. A thumb compression was obtained on all six cylinders when the engine was rotated.Additionally, engine continuity was established. No fuel was found in the engine fuel lines that were disconnected. The fuel supply line to the fuel manifold valve was disconnected and the left engine fuel boost pump pumped fuel from the left main fuel tank and the right main fuel tank in cross feed to the manifold valve. No anomalies were observed that would have prevented normal operations. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N88EB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88EB-2017-04-25), registration cancelled 2017-04-25, S/N TE-611, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH D55 - Registry model: [Beech D55](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-d55) (registry code 1152730) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: TE-611 - Year built: 1968 - Airframe hours: 5356 - Engines: Continental IO 520C 285 horsepower reciprocating; Continental IO 520C 285 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 2016 - Departed: TZR, COLUMBUS, OH - Destination: TZR, COLUMBUS, OH - Airport: TZR, Bolton Field, runway 22, 5,500 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: none; military, commercial, flight instructor, airline transport, flight engineer; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 4, 2016; seat: right; flight hours: 16,300 total, 380 in this make and model, 12,000 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days - Pilot-rated passenger; age 63; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 3,234 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 13 knots, gusting 24 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: KTZR ## 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 20170214002709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170214002709A), Feb 14, 2017: Beech D55, Columbus, OH, Substantial damage. Feb. 14, 2017 at 1826 UTC, on takeoff from rwy 22 at Bolton Field (tzr), N88EB experienced a loss of power on the left engine after rotation. According to… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 11, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94727. 3.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451008&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - Operator's Filing of an 8010-4 Report (item 2, .PDF, 371 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451009&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20Operator%27s%20Filing%20of%20an%208010-4%20Report-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record – Communication Summary C. Lang (item 3, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451010&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20%E2%80%93%20Communication%20Summary%20C.%20Lang-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record – FAA's Interview of Both Pilots (item 4, .PDF, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451011&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20%E2%80%93%20FAA%27s%20Interview%20of%20Both%20Pilots-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 159 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451012&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 6, .PDF, 47 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451013&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 7, .PDF, 203 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40451014&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.