# NTSB CHI98LA302: Cessna 421B, N5MJ, Columbus, IN, August 6, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 6, 1998, 04:50 local (10:50 UTC) - Place: Columbus, IN - Coordinates: 39.23043, -85.830909 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2304&lon=-85.8309&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious, 4 minor - Status: Completed, report July 2, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43634 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA302 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43634/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA302 ## Probable cause the pilot-in-commands failure to maintain airspeed and the subsequent stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident were the open baggage door and the inadequate aircraft preflight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb - door,cargo/baggage - open (contributing factor) - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor) - procedures/directives - inadequate, company/operator management - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis Upon reaching an altitude of 400 agl after takeoff, the left side door on the nose baggage door opened. The pilot-in- command initiated a left turn to return to the airport. During the turn the stall horn sounded. The airplane then descended and impacted the terrain. Investigation revealed that both pilots did a portion of the aircraft preflight inspection. Both pilots were qualified to act as PIC for the flight and this flight would typically have been a single pilot operation. However, the company who hired the operator to transport their employees requested two pilots. The operator did not have any written procedures regarding the division of duties for a two pilot operation on this type of aircraft. ## Factual narrative On August 6, 1998, at 0450 central standard time, a Cessna 421B, N5MJ, operated by Rhodes Aviation, collided with the terrain at the Columbus Municipal Airport while attempting to return to land shortly after takeoff. The airline transport rated pilot, the co-pilot, and two passengers received minor injuries. The remaining two passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact with the terrain and a post impact fire. The 14 CFR Part 135 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions on an IFR flight plan. The intended destination of the flight was Detroit, Michigan. The pilot-in-command (PIC) reported that shortly after takeoff, upon reaching an altitude of about 400 feet above the ground, the left side nose baggage compartment door opened. He reported he informed the co-pilot that the door was opened and that they were going to return to land on runway 14. They had departed on runway 05. He reported he raised the gear and made a maximum power turn the left. He rolled the wings level and lowered the nose. He reported that at this time he thought perhaps the right side nose baggage door opened. He reported, "...knew I was going down so I put gear down tried to land in field. Landed and left wheel caught rut and broke landing gear causing left tip tank to hit ground catching fire and sliding sideways." He reported that after coming to a stop he went into the back of the airplane, opened the door and got everyone out. The co-pilot reported that after takeoff she heard the PIC say something about the door. She reported she turned around, looked at the rear door, and told the PIC that it looked fine. She continued to report that the PIC started a left turn at which time the stall warning came on and the PIC stated they were "going down." She reported that she did not see the field which the airplane impacted. She reported that after the impact there was fire on the left wing. The PIC then opened the rear door and everyone exited the airplane. Post accident inspection of the airplane was conducted by Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Indianapolis, Indiana Flight Standards District Office. They reported the airplane touched down in the field on a northerly heading. It then slid around coming to rest on a southwesterly heading. They reported all three landing gear were separated from the airplane. The airplane had sustained severe fire damage. The left nose baggage door was open. The investigation revealed that both pilots were qualified to act as PIC of the flight and both had completed portions of the aircraft preflight. This flight would have normally been a single pilot operation; however, the company whose employees were being transported requested two pilots for the flight. The operator did not have any written procedures regarding the division of duties for a two pilot operation for this type of aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5MJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5MJ-2001-06-18), registration cancelled 2001-06-18, S/N 421B0925 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 421B - Registry model: [Cessna 421B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-421b) (registry code 2076014) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 421B0925 - Airframe hours: 6925 - Engines: Continental GTSIO-520-H 375 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Registered owner: Jack Rhodes Aircraft Sales - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, July 29, 1998, 4 hours before - Departed: BAK - Destination: DTW, DETROIT, MI - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: BAK, Columbus Municipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,145 total, 594 in this make and model, 1,162 as pilot in command, 127 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 50° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19980806019849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980806019849A), Aug 6, 1998: Cessna 421B, Columbus, IN, Substantial damage. (.4) Upon reaching an altitude of 400 AGL after takeoff, the left side door on the nose baggage door opened. The pilot-in- command initiated a left turn to… 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.