Investigation Summary
The accident flight was a non-scheduled air taxi service carrying 19 passengers, many of whom were hunters returning from Kodiak Island. During takeoff from Kodiak, the aircraft exhibited signs of being improperly balanced, requiring an additional 15 knots over the standard V1 speed to become airborne. Despite this warning sign, the flight continued to Homer. As the crew configured the aircraft for landing and extended the flaps, the center of gravity (CG) shifted beyond the aft limit. This aerodynamic shift rendered the elevators ineffective for maintaining pitch control. Witnesses observed the aircraft's wings rocking violently before it dropped steeply in a flat attitude. The NTSB investigation determined the aircraft was slightly overweight and significantly misloaded, with cargo and passenger distribution placing the CG too far to the rear. Icing conditions were also present in the area and may have contributed to the stall characteristics, but the primary factor was the weight and balance discrepancy.
Final Conclusions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause was the failure of the flight crew to properly supervise the loading of the airplane. This led to a center of gravity displacement so far aft that control was lost when flaps were lowered for landing. The investigation was documented in report NTSB/AAR-88-11.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
26 years old, joined Ryan Air Services in 1984.
First Officer
40 years old, joined Ryan Air Services in 1986.
Systems & Failure Modes
Flaps
The extension of flaps for landing changed the aircraft's aerodynamic center, which, combined with the aft center of gravity, caused the nose to pitch up uncontrollably.
Weight and Balance
The distribution of passengers and 1,435 pounds of cargo placed the center of gravity behind the certified aft limit.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was not equipped with, nor required to have, a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) or Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
- 02The plane was carrying approximately 1,435 to 1,437 pounds (651 kg) of cargo in addition to 19 passengers.
- 03Post-crash analysis found the aircraft was approximately 30 kg (66 lb) over its maximum allowable weight.
- 04All fatalities were attributed to blunt force trauma from the impact.
- 05Three passengers survived the initial impact and subsequent slide.
- 06The aircraft's Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) was UB-58.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Internal Configuration Review
The NTSB issued recommendations regarding the internal configuration of the Beechcraft 1900C to improve occupant survivability in flat-impact scenarios.