NTSB: Jet crash likely due to parking brake left on during takeoff
A Small Jet Crash in Connecticut: Pilot’s Mistake Leads to Tragic Accident
In a devastating incident that took place in Connecticut in 2021, a small jet crashed into a building, resulting in the loss of four lives. Shockingly, it was revealed in a report released on Thursday that the pilot had forgotten to release the parking brake, causing the aircraft to take off at a slower speed than usual.
The report, issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, identified the failure to release the brake as the probable cause of the accident. It also highlighted the lack of equipment on the jet to notify the pilots of such a critical problem, which contributed to the tragic crash.
The ill-fated twin-engine Cessna 560XL was scheduled to fly from Robertson Airport in Plainville to Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, North Carolina, on September 2, 2021. However, shortly after takeoff, the jet crashed into a manufacturing building and immediately burst into flames.
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The victims of this tragic incident were Courtney Haviland, 33, and William Shrauner, 32, a married couple who were both doctors from Boston. The two pilots, William O’Leary, 55, from Bristol, and Mark Morrow, 57, from Danbury, also lost their lives. Additionally, four individuals on the ground sustained injuries, with one in critical condition. Heartbreakingly, Haviland was pregnant at the time, leaving behind a devastated family.
During the plane’s acceleration on the runway, witnesses noticed that it was moving at a slower pace than usual. Blue smoke emanated from the rear of the jet, and the nose landing gear remained on the ground near the midpoint of the runway, as observed by witnesses.
The aircraft collided with a utility pole and a grassy area adjacent to the Trumpf Inc. building before crashing into the structure itself. The impact caused a massive fire that engulfed most of the plane, as detailed in the report.
Investigators discovered that the parking brake had been left engaged, and skid marks were evident on the runway, further confirming the pilot’s oversight.
The NTSB report also criticized the certification process for the airplane. Due to its classification as a “derivative” of an older model, the jet was manufactured in 2006 without a parking brake indicator. This omission occurred because the standard from 1965, which the older model adhered to, did not require such warning equipment.
What were the specific factors that led to the tragic Connecticut plane crash?
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A separate plane crash tragedy occurred just days before the Connecticut crash, claiming the life of Rep. Peltola’s husband. Investigations are ongoing regarding the cause of the incident.
Connecticut Plane Crash: Pilot Felt Pressure of Being Late, So He Took Off Quickly, Report Says
Another report reveals that the pilot of the crashed jet felt pressured due to time constraints, leading him to take off at a faster speed than usual. The combination of factors ultimately resulted in the tragic accident.
The report stated that the pilot began the engine start-up process while the brakes were still engaged, and then omitted the step to release them before takeoff. This mistake meant that the aircraft’s acceleration was significantly reduced, resulting in the plane being unable to gain sufficient lift. As a result, it collided with the building shortly after takeoff.
It is crucial to note that the report also highlighted the lack of an alarm or warning system on the aircraft to alert the pilot to the issue. Such a system could have potentially prevented the tragic accident by notifying the pilot of the engaged brakes before takeoff. The absence of this crucial safety feature is concerning, and further investigations should be conducted to address this issue.
The tragic incident raises questions about pilot training and adherence to standard operating procedures. It is imperative for pilots to undergo rigorous training and follow established protocols to avoid preventable errors that could lead to such devastating consequences.
The families of the four victims, who lost their lives in this horrific accident, deserve answers and justice. The report’s findings give some insight into what went wrong, but a comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine all the contributing factors and hold accountable any parties responsible for negligence or oversight.
Furthermore, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety measures. The aviation industry must constantly evaluate and enhance safety protocols, equipment, and training to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. May they find strength and solace during this difficult time.
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