Cable problem discovered in crashed US Airways Express aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Jan 29, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigating the crash of a US Airways Express aircraft on 8 January have reportedly found that cables connected to the aircraft's tail were not set at the correct tension level.

The aircraft - operated by Air Midwest - crashed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina, shortly after takeoff. According to witness reports, the Beech 1900 twin-engine turboprop lost altitude shortly after takeoff. Flight 5481 reportedly veered slightly, clipping the side of a US Airways maintenance hangar at the airport and flipping onto its back before crashing. The aircraft was carrying 19 passengers and two crew members, who were all killed in the accident.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an order requiring inspections of elevators on all Beech 1900 series aircraft and a temporary passenger weigh-in policy, as excessive weight and a malfunctioning elevator are believed to have contributed to the crash.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))