FAA · Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFO)
SAFO 11002: Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) Flap Preflight Check
In Brief
What It Addresses
This SAFO informs Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) model airplane operators and those who oversee them on the need to properly check flap operation prior to takeoff.
Why It Matters
On December 4, 2007, a Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) was destroyed when it crashed after takeoff. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.
Recommended Action
Pilots and operators of the Duke (BE-60) should properly verify the full operation of their wing flaps prior to takeoff in accordance with the Before Takeoff procedures. The Pilot’s Operating Manual reads “Flaps – Check operation and set.”
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
SAFOSafety Alert for Operators
U.S. Department SAFO 11002
of Transportation DATE: 2/4/11
Federal Aviation
Administration Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) Flap Preflight Check
Purpose: This SAFO informs Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) model airplane operators and those who oversee them on the need to properly check flap operation prior to takeoff.
Background: On December 4, 2007, a Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) was destroyed when it crashed after takeoff. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation revealed that the flap actuators may have undergone improper maintenance practices. One actuator was fully retracted and the other was fully extended which may have contributed to the accident.
Recommended Action: Pilots and operators of the Duke (BE-60) should properly verify the full operation of their wing flaps prior to takeoff in accordance with the Before Takeoff procedures. The Pilot’s Operating Manual reads “Flaps – Check operation and set.” This can include a visual verification of flap position and corresponding agreement with cockpit indicators. If improper operation is suspected, they should visually inspect each flap position.
Contact: Questions or comments concerning this SAFO can be directed to the Flight Standards Service, Commercial Operations Branch, AFS-820 at (202) 267-8212.
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-820
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
SAFO 11002