Deferring maintenance can be deadly. The July 2024 fatal crash of a twin-engine Beechcraft Duke, which killed the pilot and both passengers, provides the perfect case to make this point.

The aircraft had been idle for several months and had been exposed to weather including snow. The pilot was flying himself and his two passengers from upstate New York to Ohio. He did so despite airworthiness issues that included visible landing gear damage.

The left engine lost power and the pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport. The pilot lost control and crashed after attempting a single-engine go-around. Analysis reveals other issues with the aircraft, including clear signs of fuel system contamination and engine performance problems.

John and Todd explored several issues not in the NTSB final report but implied from the information collected. The pilot had ample information about the airworthiness of the aircraft before takeoff but was apparently determined to fly that day.

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Deadly Consequences of Deferred Aircraft Maintenance - Episode 295