Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A, San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 22, 2000–The NTSB’s factual report is now out on the fatal crash of MU-2 N386TM. The twin turboprop was destroyed and both pilots were killed when it crashed immediately after takeoff from the San Antonio International Airport at 1432 CST. The two pilots, one commercial rated and the other a private pilot, were the sole occupants aboard the aircraft, which was owned and operated by BTC Saratoga of Saratoga, Calif. N386TM was on an IFR plan in VMC and had just departed for a cross-country trip to San Jose (Calif.) International Airport (SJC). The commercial pilot had received a standard weather briefing and line-service employees reported that the airplane was topped off before departure.
An employee observed the right engine was started first and allowed to run for about 10 min, and then the left engine was started. According to the ATC transcript, at 1420 while taxiing to the runway, N386TM advised the ground controller that the flight had a “minor delay” and that they would be stopped on the ramp for “a couple of minutes.” The same employee saw someone exit the MU-2, check the nosegear and re-board, after which the airplane taxied to the runway.
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