# NTSB DEN00LA012: Beech B-60, N243RC, Angel Fire, NM, October 28, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 28, 1999, 15:05 local (21:05 UTC) - Place: Angel Fire, NM - Coordinates: 36.390193, -105.270591 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3902&lon=-105.2706&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47668 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN00LA012 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47668/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00LA012 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the pilot's inadequate decision to attempt the takeoff. Factors were the strong left rear cross wind, and the dirt embankment. ## 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 - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor) ## Analysis A pilot/witness said that the airplane had been in for maintenance in Albuquerque, and he flew N243RC to Angel Fire for the accident pilot. The pilot/witness said that at approximately 1400 he landed the airplane on runway 17 with the wind from 230 degrees for 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The pilot taxied to runway 35, and started his takeoff roll with winds 230 to 270 degrees for 22 knots with gusts to 30 knots according to the FBO manager. Approximately 2 minutes later the pilot transmitted a distress call. Another witness observed the airplane 90 degrees to the runway approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold. He said that the airplane departed the left side of the runway at a 30 degree angle approximately 400 feet from the threshold. He said that there was no indication of nose wheel ground contact for the first 150 feet of runway departure. He further observed that airplane encountered wet earth while simultaneously encountering a dirt embankment with the left wing. ## Factual narrative On October 28, 1999, approximately 1505 mountain daylight time, a Beech B-60 Duke, N243RC, was substantially damaged following departure from the runway during takeoff roll at Angel Fire Airport, Angel Fire, New Mexico. The instrument rated private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which was originating at the time of the accident. An IFR flight plan had been filed. A pilot/witness said that the airplane had been in for maintenance in Albuquerque, and he flew N243RC to Angel Fire for the accident pilot. The pilot/witness said that at approximately 1400 he landed on runway 17 with the wind from 230 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. He further stated that he assisted the pilot from his car to the airplane. The accident pilot said that he had "bad knees" and walked with the assistance of two canes. The pilot's wife then loaded five dogs into the airplane. The pilot taxied to runway 35, and started his takeoff roll with variable winds between 230 and 270 degrees at 22 knots, with gusts to 30 knots according to the FBO manager. Approximately 2 minutes later, the pilot transmitted a distress call. Another witness observed the airplane 90 degrees to the runway approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold. He said that the airplane departed the left side of the runway at a 30 degree angle approximately 400 feet from the threshold. He said that there was no indication of nose wheel ground contact for the first 150 feet of runway departure. He further observed that airplane encountered wet earth while simultaneously encountering a dirt embankment with the left wing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N243RC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N243RC-2003-01-06), registration cancelled 2003-01-06, S/N P-273, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech B-60 - Registry model: [Beech B-60](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-b-60) (registry code 1153605) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-541 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-541-series) (registry code 41536, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: P-273 - Airframe hours: 2990 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 280 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Philip C. Kidd, Jr. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 12, 1998 - Departed: AXX - Destination: PWA, NOBLE, OK - Airport: AXX, Angel Fire Airport, runway 35, 8,900 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 4,700 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 4,650 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 12 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 19 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SKX, 18 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 19991028029679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991028029679A), Oct 28, 1999: Beech B60, Angel Fire, NM, Substantial damage. (.19) On October 28, 1999, approximately 1505 mountain daylight time, a Beech B-60 duke, N243RC, was substantially damaged following departure from the runway… 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.