# NTSB NYC91LA195: Beech C50, N9674R, Salem, OH, July 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1991, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Salem, OH
- Coordinates: 40.899795, -80.849807 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8998&lon=-80.8498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36976
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA195
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36976/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA195

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER FEATHERING SYSTEM FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. FACTORS WERE AIRCRAFT POOR CLIMB PERFORMANCE AS RESULTED OF THE UNFEATHERED PROPELLER AND OBSTRUCTIONS WHICH PREVENTED A RETURN TO THE AIRPORT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - throttle/power lever,linkage - binding(mechanical)
  - aborted landing - performed, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - throttle/power lever,linkage - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - attempted, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE TWIN ENGINE AIRPLANE WAS ON FINAL APPROACH AND THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE RIGHT ENGINE WOULD NOT GO BELOW HALF POWER.  THE AIRPLANE WAS LANDED AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT.  AFTER ROTATION, THE RIGHT ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT RAISED THE LANDING GEAR AND ATTEMPETD TO FLY AROUND THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON ONE ENGINE.  THE RIGHT PROPELLER WOULD NOT FEATHER AND THE AIRPLANE WOULD NOT CLIMB.  THE PILOT AVOIDED SEVERAL TREE LINES BEFORE DESCENDING GEAR UP INTO A FIELD OF CROPS AND SLID ONTO A ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE CASTLE NUT HAD BACKED OFF THE RIGHT ENGINE'S CARBURETOR AND THE LINKAGE DISCONNECTED.  THERE WAS NO COTTER PIN INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9674R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9674R-2015-05-04), registration cancelled 2015-05-04, S/N CH-201, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C50
- Registry model: [Beech C-50](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c-50) (registry code 1152510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-480-series) (registry code 41527, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CH-201
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480-F1A6 275 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John M. Webber
- Registered owner: Webber Refrigeration Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 4G3, NORTH BENTON, OH
- Airport: 38D, Salem, runway 28, 3,500 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; airline transport, flight engineer, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 14,000 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: YNG, 8 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 19910731030809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910731030809A), Jul 31, 1991: Beech C50, Salem, OH, Substantial damage. Right engine problem prior landing then elected to take off. Engine failed. Landed gear up. Throttle disconnected.

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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