# NTSB CHI99LA262: Beech C-45H, N72409, Grain Valley, MO, July 28, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1999, 10:42 local (15:42 UTC)
- Place: Grain Valley, MO
- Coordinates: 39.000965, -94.199707 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0010&lon=-94.1997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 46904
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46904/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA262

## Probable cause

the failure of the pilot to use the tailwheel lock on takeoff, creating a condition where it was not possible for the pilot to maintain directional control.  Factors were the unlocked tailwheel and the ditch.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,tailwheel lock - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - tailwheel lock - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

During takeoff, the aircraft departed the prepared runway surface and impacted a ditch adjacent to the runway.  During a post accident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the tailwheel was not in the locked position.  No anomalies were found that could be associated with a preexisting condition.

## Factual narrative

On July 28, 1999, at 1042 central daylight time, a Beech C-45H, N72409, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage after a loss of directional control on takeoff roll, on runway 27 (4,400 feet by 44 feet, dry asphalt), at the East Kansas City Airport, Grain Valley, Missouri.  The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to the Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, Missouri.

The aircraft departed the prepared runway surface and impacted a ditch adjacent to the runway.

During a post accident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the tailwheel was not in the locked position.  No anomalies were found that could be associated with a preexisting condition.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72409](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72409-2018-01-24), registration cancelled 2018-01-24, S/N AF-411, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech C-45H
- Registry model: [Beech C-45H](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c-45h) (registry code 1151018) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AF-411
- Airframe hours: 3700
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Heavy Time Aviation, LLC.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 8, 1999, 90 hours before
- Departed: 3GV
- Destination: MCI, KANSAS CITY, MO
- Airport: 3GV, East Kansas City Airport, runway 27, 4,400 × 44 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 666 total, 80 in this make and model, 304 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKC, 19 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 19990728010059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990728010059A), Jul 28, 1999: Beech C45H, Grain Valley, MO, Substantial damage. Acft lost control on take-off and sustained substantial damage. (.19) on July 28, 1999, at 1042 central daylight time, a Beech C-45H, N72409, piloted by a…

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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