# NTSB NYC85LA140: Cessna 340A, N2669Z, Butler, PA, June 6, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1985, 10:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Butler, PA
- Location: 40.7766° N, 79.9511° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PITTSBURGH/BUTLER RGNL (BTP), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7766&lon=-79.9511&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35886
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA140
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35886/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA140

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - fuselage,cargo compartment - bent (cause)
  - door,cargo/baggage - not engaged (cause)
  - door,cargo/baggage - open (cause)
- Overrun, takeoff
  - aborted takeoff
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - downhill (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT PRIOR TO THE FLT, HE MADE THE USUAL PREFLIGHT CHECK & LOCKED THE LEFT FORWARD, NOSE BAGGAGE DOOR. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE LEFT FORWARD BAGGAGE DOOR OPENED & LOCKED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE PLT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF, BUT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT RWY REMAINING TO STOP. AFTER DEPARTING THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY, THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AS IT WENT OVER A BANK, THEN WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT TOUCHED DOWN ON A SLIGHT DOWNSLOPE. A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE LEFT TIP TANK AREA AFTER THE ACFT CAME TO REST. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE LEFT AIRFRAME SUPPORT CHANNEL FOR THE BAGGAGE DOOR WAS BENT. THIS ALLOWED THE DOOR TO BE CLOSED TO THE LOCKED POSITION WITHOUT BEING PROPERLY ENGAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2669Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2669Z-2011-11-03), registration cancelled 2011-11-03, S/N 340A0736, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 340A
- Registry model: [Cessna 340A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-340a) (registry code 2076405) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 340A-0736
- Airframe hours: 1140
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-NB 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles Dana Chalfant
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1985, 4 hours before
- Departed: BTP, BUTLER, PA
- Destination: W95
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: BTP, Butler Co., runway 25, 4,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,650 total, 716 in this make and model, 1,385 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 99 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850606022729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850606022729A), Jun 6, 1985: Cessna 340A, Butler, PA, Substantial damage. Aborted takeoff when nose baggage door opened. Ran off runway end, gear collapsed, fire erupted. Door channel bent.

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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