FTW96LA123

Factual narrative

On February 21, 1996, at 0255 central standard time, a Beech 95-C55, N4825J, registered to a private owner and operated by Executive Flight Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 135 flight, sustained substantial damage during landing at Redbird Airport, Dallas, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. Both commercial pilots were not injured. The business flight originated at Amarillo, Texas, about 3 hours and 45 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was unable to extend the flaps. The pilot further reported that the airplane "touched down approximately one third of the way down runway 35 (3801 feet available) with a high ground speed." He attempted to stop the airplane in the remaining distance. In an attempt to avoid an overrun of the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to turn right onto a taxiway at the end of the runway. The airplane skidded to the left, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the end of the runway into the grass. The pilot stated that "we realized a tailwind of 10-15 knots was blowing when we got out of the aircraft." Examination of the accident site and airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the runway had skid marks which followed the path of the airplane for approximately 280 feet. The left landing gear had collapsed inward, and the right landing gear had collapsed outward during the attempted right turn onto the taxiway. Both of the main tires had large flat spots on them. The landing gear was damaged, both propellers were bent, and both wings and fuselage were damaged. The flap motor had not been damaged as a result of the accident. It was tested at Air Salvage of Dallas, and it was found to be inoperative. Although runway 35 was in use at the time, a longer runway (runway 31 with 6451 feet useable) was available for use. The pilot reported that he was unable to lower the flaps. He elected to land on runway 35, which was 3801' in length, although a 6451' runway (runway 31) was available. During the landing, the airplane touched down approximately one third of the way down the runway with a high ground speed. To avoid an overrun, he attempted to turn off at the end of the runway onto a taxiway. During the turn, the airplane skidded, and the main landing gear collapsed. The flap motor was tested and found to be inoperative. The pilot stated that when he exited the airplane, he noticed a 10 to15 knot tailwind. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12