# NTSB DEN82DA029: Mitsubishi MU2B-40, N149JA, Hayden, CO, February 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: February 3, 1982, 17:15 local (Feb 4, 1982, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Hayden, CO
- Coordinates: 40.479496, -107.260238 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4795&lon=-107.2602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 6 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70984
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70984/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA029

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - flare/touchdown
  - propeller system/accessories,pitch change mech - undetermined (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,reversing system - undetermined (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,prop control unit - undetermined (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS 20 FEET AGL DURING LANDING WHEN THE CREW HEARD A PROPELLER GO INTO BETA MODE AND THE AIRCRAFT YAWED TO THE RIGHT. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT COLLIDED WITH A SNOW BANK WHICH SEPARATED THE WINGS FROM THE FUSELAGE. IMPACT DAMAGE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL WHY THE PROPELLER WENT INTO BETA MODE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N149JA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N149JA-1982-12-11), registration cancelled 1982-12-11, S/N 402 SA (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MITSUBISHI MU2B-40
- Registry model: [Mitsubishi MU-2B-40](https://openairdocs.org/model/mitsubishi-mu-2b-40) (registry code 5780440) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4025A
- Airframe hours: 1203
- Engines: AIRESEARCH TPE331-10-501 1000 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Ja Baldwin Mfg Co
- Registered owner: Ja Baldwin Mfg Co
- Departed: KEARNY
- Destination: HAYDEN, CO
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: HDN, Yampa Valley, runway 10, 6,999 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 9,700 total, 1,700 in this make and model, 8,700 as pilot in command, 127 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Temperature: 59 °F

## 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 19820203001489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820203001489A), Feb 3, 1982: Mtsbsi MU2B40, Hayden, CO, Destroyed. Moved right power lever into beta range by mistake just prior to touchdown. Veered off runway into a snowbank.

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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