Incident Overview
Date: Monday 9 December 1968
Aircraft Type: Lockheed L-1649A Starliner
Owner/operator: Fly by Night Safaris
Registration Number: N7314C
Location: Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport, NV (LAS) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 104
Component Affected: PropellersPropellers
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
On takeoff from Las Vegas (LAS), a Starliner aircraft experienced a malfunction where it departed before reaching its designated V2 speed, resulting in a partial loss of power and a belly landing. Damage occurred to the propellers during contact with the runway, leading to fragmented damage to the fuselage. The incident was likely caused by improper servicing, including maintenance, servicing, inspection activities, and potentially, improper pilot commands, fuel contamination, and inadequate fuel grade. The premature lift-off of the aircraft contributed to the incident.On takeoff from Las Vegas (LAS), a Starliner aircraft experienced a malfunction where it departed before reaching its designated V2 speed, resulting in a partial loss of power and a belly landing. Damage occurred to the propellers during contact with the runway, leading to fragmented damage to the fuselage. The incident was likely caused by improper servicing, including maintenance, servicing, inspection activities, and potentially, improper pilot commands, fuel contamination, and inadequate fuel grade. The premature lift-off of the aircraft contributed to the incident.
Description
Prior to departure from Las Vegas (LAS), the airplane was erroneously serviced with jet fuel. On takeoff the Starliner became airborne prior to V2 speed. A partial loss of power forced the pilot to carry out a belly landing. Parts of the propellers broke of as they contact the runway. Fragments punctured the fuselage. PROBABLE CAUSE(S): personnel – maintenance,servicing,inspection: improperly serviced aircraft (ground crew) miscellaneous acts,conditions – fuel contamination-exclusive of water in fuel miscellaneous acts,conditions – fuel grade-improper pilot in command – premature lift-off miscellaneous acts,conditions – intentional wheels-up
Primary Cause
Improper servicing of aircraft, specifically ground crew activities, potentially involving fuel contamination and pilot command.Improper servicing of aircraft, specifically ground crew activities, potentially involving fuel contamination and pilot command.Share on:
