# NTSB NYC87LA254: Beech E55, N4158A, Block Island, RI, September 26, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1987, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Block Island, RI
- Location: 41.1918° N, 71.5745° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Block Island, RI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1918&lon=-71.5745&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30734
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA254
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30734/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA254

## 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
  - door,passenger - open (cause)
- Overrun, takeoff - aborted
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

JUST BEFORE LIFT-OFF, AFTER THE AIRCRAFT HAD ACCELLERATED TO ABOUT 115 MPH, THE DOOR ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CAME OPEN. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY ABORTED THE TAKEOFF, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE 2500' RUNWAY. AFTER DEPARTING THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT WENT THROUGH A FENCE, DOWN A GULLY AND ONTO A ROAD BEFORE COMING TO REST. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4158A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4158A-2013-03-11), registration cancelled 2013-03-11, S/N TE-796, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH E55
- Registry model: [Beech E-55](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-e-55) (registry code 1152732) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TE796
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-C/CB 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John R. Degan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: BID, Block Island, runway 28, 2,500 × 100 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,950 total, 347 in this make and model, 4,880 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 10 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Observed at: BID

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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