Yesterday's B1900D Accident

[Scottler]

I'm hardly an expert, but I've done some research about the safety record of the Beechcraft B1900D.  Below are some quotes from NTSB accident investigations that I found interesting in light of the fact that a witness reported the tail of yesterday's incident aircraft was moving up and down in a very odd manner.

1/12/95
Williston, North Dakota
"The crew experienced increasing nose down pitch regardless of input."
"Inspection revealed that the trim cable had been incorrectly routed around a cable guide during initial production."

1/21/97
Seattle, Washington
"The airplane commenced a rapid, uncommanded roll to the right when the 35-degree flap setting was selected."
"Examination revealed that the inboard, aft end of the right wing outboard flap was detached from the wing track."

6/19/97
Clarksburg, West Virginia
"The pilot lowered the flaps to 35 degrees while on final approach to runway 21."
"...at the same time herad a snap under the floor of the cockpit."
"...taxied to the terminal where it was observed that the right outboard flap panel had become detached from the flap aft roller bearing at the inboard flap track."

6/7/03
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"...reported lateral control problems shortly after takeoff."
"After landing, the pilot reported about 45 degrees of right control yoke deflection was required to maintain straight flight."

I also found four incidents with the airplane during which one or more propeller blades seperated from the engine, all between 1996 and 1998!  Hmm...it will be interesting to see what the final report of this tragic loss reveals.

Granted, yesterday's accident may have had absolutely nothing to do with any of the above.  But I find it interesting that the B1900 (an airplane I personally ADORE) has had such a spotted history of control issues! :-/

[Craig.]

dont forget that the plane that crashed a few months back on takeoff was also a 1900 operated by same company under differant local operator.
there was also an american eagle flight that had the same uncontrollable problems while landing at o'hare which i believe was a 1900, something needs to be done to safen this aircraft up

[Scottler]

Yeah, tonight when I get home I'm going to do some more research.  Unfortunately, I'm at work at present, and could only do a brief search.  Strange though!

[Jaffa]

Appearantly the pilot reported that he had lost trim...but trim is what helps the airplane fly level...couldn't he have compensated with the yoke?  

[Scottler]

Well, it was reported earlier this morning that the pilot informed ATC that part of his tail assembly had actually fallen off the aircraft.  If so, depending what it was, then no....

[Scottler]

From CNN.com

(CNN) -- A couple boating in Nantucket Sound on Tuesday afternoon told investigators that they believe the pilot of a crashing commuter plane must have steered the aircraft away from them at the last minute, a Massachusetts State Police trooper said.

The plane hit the water 75 yards from the couple and showered the area with debris, Trooper John Kotfila told CNN.

They described the plane coming in at a 45-degree angle. At the last second, the couple said, the aircraft veered sharply to the left.

Also interestingly pointed out in the article, was a reference to the previously mentioned B1900 incident in Charlotte (KCLT).

The NTSB has said preliminary evidence in the investigation points to improperly adjusted elevator cables as a cause of the crash.

Sound familiar?

[Craig.]

they seriously need to do something quickly. first step is an entire grounding of the fleet, of all operators, and a complete check of the key problem systems, massive job maybe but for public safety it has to be done.
the only reason the loss of life is low from these incidents is because of the size of it and i suppose luck is the wrong word but prob only word to use