CESSNA 441
Battle Creek, MI — March 27, 2012
Event Information
| Date | March 27, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA215 |
| Event ID | 20120330X13042 |
| Location | Battle Creek, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.30639, -85.25000 |
| Airport | W K Kellogg Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 441 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The maintenance technician did not remove the tow bar prior to the flight.
Full Narrative
After the pilot finished the preflight inspection in the hangar, the maintenance technician pulled the airplane out of the hangar and connected the auxiliary power cart to the airplane. Shortly thereafter, the pilot boarded the airplane and proceeded with the normal checklist. The pilot signaled to the maintenance technician to disconnect the power cart. The maintenance technician subsequently signaled that the pilot was clear to start the engines. After departure the pilot noted a problem with the landing gear and after establishing that the tow bar was, most likely, still attached to the nosewheel, he diverted to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing. During the landing, the nose landing gear collapsed and the primary structure in the nose of the airplane was substantially damaged.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.