# NTSB CEN17LA123: Beech C 99, N216CS, Durango, CO, January 24, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 23, 2017, 19:00 local (Jan 24, 2017, 02:00 UTC) - Place: Durango, CO - Coordinates: 37.150276, -107.75 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1503&lon=-107.7500&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 3, 2020 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 94841 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN17LA123 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94841/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94841 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA123 ## Probable cause The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions on a contaminated runway, which resulted in a runway excursion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech C-99, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1154006), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: snow/slush/ice covered surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech C-99, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md?model=1154006), [All aircraft, 219 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech C-99, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=1154006), [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 control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech C-99, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=1154006), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Beech C-99, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=1154006), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight crew was departing the airport in winter weather conditions. The flight crew taxied to the runway and waited as another regional jet landed and cleared the runway. The captain of that jet reported on the common traffic advisory frequency that the braking action was nil and cautioned the accident flight crew to be careful because the runway was slick. The pilot flying reported that, as they taxied onto the runway, the wind was 40° right of runway heading at 10 kts with no gusts and the runway was slick. As the airplane was on the takeoff roll passing 60 kts, the pilot noticed a rising crosswind but maintained centerline. When the airplane was passing 80 kts, the flight crew was unable to maintain the airplane's track on the centerline with full right aileron deflection. The pilot attempted to rotate and lift off, but the airplane went into deep snow on the side of the runway. The pilot then reduced power to idle before going off the left side of the runway; the nose wheel collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the nose of the airplane and both engines. The flight crew reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative On January 23, 2017, about 1900 mountain standard time, a Beechcraft C99, N216CS, was substantially damaged when it departed the runway during takeoff at Durango La-Plata County Airport (DRO), Durango, Colorado. The two pilots on board were not injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight. The flight crew had landed an hour earlier and while they waited for cargo to be loaded and their block time out they watched as trucks worked on the runway and taxiways to remove the snow. They listened to airport weather, deiced the airplane, and taxied to the runway for takeoff. The flight crew waited as another regional jet landed and cleared the runway. The captain of that jet reported on the common traffic advisory frequency that the braking action was nil and cautioned the accident flight crew to be careful as the runway was slick. As the flight crew taxied onto the runway, the pilot flying reported the wind was 40 degrees right of runway heading at 10 knots with no gusts and the runway was slick. On takeoff roll passing 60 kts, the pilot noticed a rising crosswind but was able to maintain centerline. Passing 80 kts the flight crew lost the ability to maintain centerline with full right aileron deflection. The pilot attempted to rotate and lift off but the airplane went into deep snow on the side of the runway. The pilot then reduced power to idle before going off the runway. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and the nose wheel collapsed. The airplane came to rest about 66 feet off the left side of runway 21 and 2,800 ft from the departure end. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed aft crushing to the nose radome and skin wrinkling on the underside of the fuselage around the nose landing gear well. Both engines sustained damage beyond repair. The flight crew reported no preimpact anomalies that contributed to the accident. A NOTAM issued at 1842, reported the center 100 ft of the runway had been plowed and broom swept and that the entire runway surface was covered with 1/8 in. dry snow. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N216CS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N216CS), registered now, S/N U-216, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH C 99 (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Beech C-99](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c-99) (registry code 1154006) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: U-216 - Year built: 1983 - Airframe hours: 26579.5 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-36 715 horsepower turbo prop; Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-36 715 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Operator: Alpine Air Inc - Registered owner: Alpine Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, December 28, 2016 - Departed: DRO, Durango, CO - Destination: DEN, DENVER, CO - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: DRO, Durango-La Plata County, runway 21, 9,201 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Onboard weather, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; injuries: none; military, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 29, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 3,430 total, 158 in this make and model, 2,498 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours - Co-pilot; age 33; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 7, 2017; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 1,209 total, 47 in this make and model, 271 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 47 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night - Wind: 260° at 13 knots - Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast - Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 29.64 inHg - Observed at: KDRO, 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). - [Incident 20170123001549I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170123001549I), Jan 23, 2017: Beech C-99, Durango, CO, Minor damage. On January 23, 2017 N216CS departed the left side of the runway during takeoff from runway 21 in Durango, CO. This was a result of the PIC failing to maintain… ## Other investigations on N216CS (2) 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. - [NTSB ANC96LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA076), May 21, 1996: Beech 99C (N216CS), Barrow, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: an in-flight collision with a bird. - [NTSB ANC92LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA123), Aug 9, 1992: Beech C99 (N216CS), Nuiqsut, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, AND HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNDRAFT. ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 2, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94841. 6.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484036&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 461 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484037&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Skywest Captain's Statement (item 3, .PDF, 193 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484038&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Skywest%20Captain%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Durango, Colorado Weather (item 4, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484039&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Durango,%20Colorado%20Weather-Master.PDF - Durango La Plata County Airport NOTAMs (item 5, .PDF, 22 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484040&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Durango%20La%20Plata%20County%20Airport%20NOTAMs-Master.PDF - E-mail from Operator, Both Engines Damaged (item 6, .PDF, 118 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484041&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=E-mail%20from%20Operator,%20Both%20Engines%20Damaged-Master.PDF - E-mail, Location Description of the Airplane (item 7, .PDF, 125 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484042&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=E-mail,%20Location%20Description%20of%20the%20Airplane-Master.PDF - Depiction of Airplane's Resting Location (item 8, .PDF, 325 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484043&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Depiction%20of%20Airplane%27s%20Resting%20Location-Master.PDF - Airport E-mail, Runway MU Values (item 9, .PDF, 121 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484044&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20E-mail,%20Runway%20MU%20Values-Master.PDF - Accident Photographs (item 10, .PDF, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484045&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photographs-Master.PDF - FAA ATC Policy, Field Condition Reporting (item 11, .PDF, 333 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484046&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20ATC%20Policy,%20Field%20Condition%20Reporting-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.