# NTSB ERA12LA549: Beech 76, N6716L, Manville, NJ, September 6, 2012

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 2012, 11:35 local (15:35 UTC)
- Place: Manville, NJ
- Coordinates: 40.524444, -74.598052 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5244&lon=-74.5981&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 12, 2013
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 84952
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12LA549
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/84952/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84952
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA549

## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing and attempted go-around.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: lateral/bank control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 390 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Beech 76, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech 76, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Beech 76, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that, after a normal approach, the airplane drifted to the left after touchdown and he commenced a go-around. As he began the go-around, the pilot-rated passenger called out for “full power.” The airplane turned and rolled sharply to the right. The pilot corrected with flight control inputs, and the airplane banked to the left; the left wing tip struck a dirt mound located off the left side of the runway. The airplane then collided with a perimeter fence and came to rest inverted. The pilot-rated passenger reported that the airplane departed the left side of the runway during the landing and subsequently “porpoised.” Although preliminary on-site examination of the wreckage indicated that the right engine “did not appear to be operating” and that the right engine mixture control was in the idle cutoff position, a witness, who was a flight instructor, stated that he observed no indications of an engine failure while the airplane was airborne. Subsequent examination of both engines revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure, and both propeller assemblies showed evidence of rotation at impact.

## Factual narrative

On September 6, 2012, about 1135 eastern daylight time, a Beech 76, N6716L, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control while landing at Central Jersey Regional Airport (47N), Manville, New Jersey. The private pilot and the pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to N6716 LLC and was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Princeton, New Jersey (39N) at 1030. The pilot reported the following. He was acting as pilot-in-command during the approach to runway 25. He occupied the left cockpit seat. Following a normal approach, the airplane touched down and began to drift left. He commenced a go-around about the same time that the passenger called out “full power.” The pilot applied full power, the airplane accelerated, and began to lift off. The airplane then began to turn and roll to the right. As he applied flight control inputs to correct the situation, the airplane rolled to the left and ultimately struck the ground. The passenger reported that, during the approach to runway 25, he had the right cockpit seat positioned aft and he was looking at his iPad. There was no wind or other weather issues at the time. The pilot flew a normal approach; however, he “did not touch down early enough.” The airplane “porpoised” back into the air after departing the left side of the runway. He advised the pilot to go around and the pilot added full power. The airplane gained altitude and pitched hard to the right. The passenger reported that, at no time during the flight, were simulated single engine procedures practiced. A witness on the ramp, who was a flight instructor, reported that the airplane was stabilized on final approach to runway 25 and the propellers were turning. The airplane touched down in the first third of the runway, bounced slightly, and then the pilot added power. When power was added, the airplane banked heavily to the right and reached an altitude of about 20 to 30 feet above the runway. He heard the power come back to idle and then the airplane banked to the left. The left wing then struck a dirt mound off the left side of the taxiway, the airplane struck a fence, and flipped over on its back. While the airplane was airborne, he did not observe any visual indications of an engine failure and the propellers were not feathered. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He confirmed substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. He reported that the right engine “did not appear to be operating.” The right mixture control was found in the idle cutoff position. Fuel was found in both wing tanks. The fuel selector valves tested normally in the “on” position. The wreckage was recovered to a storage facility where a subsequent examination of the airframeand engines was performed on March 20, 2013 by a NTSB Air Safety Investigator and a FAA Airworthiness Inspector. Examination of the right engine propeller blades revealed leading edge gouges and the blade tip of one blade was broken off. Further examination of the right engine revealed that compression was noted on all six cylinders and valve train continuity was confirmed when the engine was rotated manually. The right magneto produced spark to all leads except the number one cylinder bottom plug. The top spark plugs were removed and the electrodes exhibited normal wear and color when compared to a Champion Spark Plug inspection chart. The carburetor inlet screen was removed and examined; no contaminants were noted. The carburetor bowl contained fuel and no contaminants were noted. The right engine oil sump screen was removed and examined; no particulates were found. Examination of the left engine propeller blades revealed leading edge gouges, chord-wise surface scratches, and twisting of the blades. Further examination of the left engine revealed that compression was noted on all six cylinders and valve train continuity was confirmed when the engine was rotated manually. The left engine magneto produced spark to all leads when manually rotated. The top spark plugs were removed and the electrodes exhibited normal wear and color when compared to a Champion Spark Plug inspection chart. The carburetor inlet screen was removed and examined; no contaminants were noted. The carburetor bowl contained fuel and no contaminants were noted. The left engine oil sump screen was removed and examined; no particulates were found.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6716L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6716L-2020-08-02), registration cancelled 2020-08-02, S/N ME-326, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 76
- Registry model: [Beech 76](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-76) (registry code 1153005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: ME-326
- Airframe hours: 6675
- Engines: LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER 180 horsepower reciprocating; LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 2012
- Departed: 39N, Princeton, NJ
- Destination: 47N, Manville, NJ
- Airport: 47N, Central Jersey Regional, runway 25, 3,510 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 264 total, 72 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.89 inHg
- Observed at: SMQ, 6 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 20120906019659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120906019659A), Sep 6, 2012: Beech 76, Manville, NJ, Substantial damage. Aircraft tried to land on runway 25. As it touched down it began to porpoise. Pilot decided to go-around and applied full power. The aircraft turned sharply to…

## Docket (18 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 12, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84952. 21.9 MB in all.

- Pilot's Written Statement (item 1, .PDF, 145 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390053&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Written%20Statement-Redacted.PDF
- FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 220 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390047&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF
- NTSB Record of Conversation - Rosenberg (item 3, .PDF, 58 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390040&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Rosenberg-Redacted.PDF
- NTSB Record of Conversation - Meghnagi (item 4, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390041&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Meghnagi-Redacted.PDF
- NTSB Record of Conversation - Cataldo (item 5, .PDF, 58 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390042&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Cataldo-Redacted.PDF
- Excerpts - Aircraft Logbook (item 6, .PDF, 279 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390048&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20-%20Aircraft%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF
- Excerpts - Left Engine Logbook (item 7, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390049&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20-%20Left%20Engine%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF
- Excerpts - Right Engine Logbook (item 8, .PDF, 188 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390051&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20-%20Right%20Engine%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF
- Photo 1: Main Wreckage, View of Right Side or Aircraft (FAA Digital Photo) (item 9, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390081&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Main%20Wreckage,%20View%20of%20Right%20Side%20or%20Aircraft%20(FAA%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2: Right Engine Propeller Blade (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 10, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390084&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Propeller%20Blade%20%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 3: Right Engine Propeller Blade (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 11, .PDF, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390085&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Propeller%20Blade%20%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 4: Right Engine Spark Plugs (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 12, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390086&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Spark%20Plugs%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 5: Right Engine Carburetor Inlet Screen (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 13, .PDF, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390087&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Carburetor%20Inlet%20Screen%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 6: Right Engine Carburetor Bowl (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 14, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390089&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Carburetor%20Bowl%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 7: Right Engine Oil Sump Screen (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 15, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390090&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%207%3A%20Right%20Engine%20Oil%20Sump%20Screen%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 8: Left Engine Propeller Assembly (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 16, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390092&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%208%3A%20Left%20Engine%20Propeller%20Assembly%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 9: Left Engine Propeller Blade (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 17, .PDF, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390093&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%209%3A%20Left%20Engine%20Propeller%20Blade%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-Master.PDF
- Photo 10: Left Engine Propeller Blade (NTSB Digital Photo) (item 18, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40390094&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2010%3A%20Left%20Engine%20Propeller%20Blade%20(NTSB%20Digital%20Photo)-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.

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