60Duke

beechcraftEffective Sep 29, 2026Timetable 1995–2015

What mechanics have reported to the FAA on the Beechcraft 60 Duke, the airworthiness directives in force, and the NTSB accident record, on one sheet. Pressurized 60, A60 and B60 Duke (Lycoming TIO-541).

What gets written up1995–2015
74Magneto/​Distributor37.0%073Fuel Flow Indicating37.0%028Fuel Storage24.7%078Engine Collector/​Tailpipe/​Nozzle24.7%061Propeller Hub Section24.7%025Emergency Locator Beacon24.7%0

Top six of ten systems. Counts reflect who reports, not how reliable the airplane is.

Registered
73 in the U.S., FAA registry Sep 29, 2026
Reports on file
43 since 1995
2016–2025
0, about 0 a year per 1,000 registered
ADs in force
13 (9 airframe, 4 engine)
Accidents
43 since 1995, 21 fatal

Airworthiness directives

13 in force · 4 superseded not shown

From Federal Register final rules since 1995. Whether an AD applies to a particular airplane depends on its serial number, engine and installed equipment; confirm against the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System.

For the airframe9 in force
AD2002-10-13Effective Jul 8, 2002Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 58P, 60, A60, B60, and 65-88 AirplanesOne-time

Door operating instruction placards on emergency exit doors may be difficult to see and understand, which could prevent occupants from opening emergency exits during an evacuation. This AD requires installation of new exterior operating instruction placards with improved visibility and clarity on exit doors.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD2001-23-17Effective Dec 28, 2001GARMIN International GNS 430 UnitsOne-time

External electrical noise can cause inaccurate course deviation displays on GNS 430 units, potentially leading pilots to make unsafe flight decisions. This AD requires modification of affected GNS 430 units to incorporate circuitry changes that prevent external noise from degrading course deviation and flag outputs.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD2001-02-10Effective Mar 19, 2001Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 60, A60, and B60 AirplanesOne-time

Lower forward wing bolts supplied by Mercury Aerospace may not meet required hardness specifications and could fail in fatigue, potentially causing wing separation. Inspect for Mercury Aerospace-trademark bolts and replace any found with FAA-approved bolts.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD99-05-13Effective Apr 19, 1999Raytheon Aircraft Company 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 33, 35, 36/A36, A36TC/B36TC, 45, 50, 55, 56, 58, 58P, 58TC, 60, 65, 70, 76, 77, 80, 88, and 95 Series AirplanesOne-time

Some Raytheon aircraft experienced engine stoppage due to incorrect fuel selector positioning between detents. This AD requires installing a placard on the fuel tank selector to warn of the no-flow condition.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD99-03-11Effective Mar 4, 1999Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Model 60 AirplanesOne-time

The cabin heater circuit control wiring on certain Beech Model 60 airplanes can overheat, causing the heater to shut down or creating a potential smoke and fire hazard. This AD requires modifying the cabin heat control wiring to prevent circuit overheating.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD98-04-24Effective Mar 13, 1998Raytheon Aircraft Company Models E55, E55A, 58, 58A, 58P, 58PA, 58TC, 58TCA Airplanes, and 60, 65-B80, 65- B90, 90, F90, 100, 300, and B300 Series AirplanesOne-time

These airplanes may be operated in severe icing conditions without adequate procedures and limitations, which can lead to loss of control or structural damage. The AD requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual to prohibit flight in severe icing conditions, limit use of flight control devices in icing, and provide procedures for recognizing and exiting severe icing.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD97-25-01Effective Jan 11, 1998Raytheon Aircraft Company 58, 60, 90, 100, 200, and 300 Series and Model 2000 AirplanesOne-time

Certain AlliedSignal Aerospace outflow/safety valves in the pressurization system are cracking and failing due to manufacturing defects. This AD requires replacing affected outflow/safety valves with new or serviceable valves to prevent rapid decompression.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD95-22-03Effective Oct 24, 1995Beech Aircraft Corporation Models 60 and A60 AirplanesOne-time

Several accidents and incidents have occurred on these aircraft when flying in icing conditions at too slow an airspeed, risking loss of control. The AD requires incorporating flight manual supplement revisions that specify a minimum airspeed for operating in icing conditions.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
Show 1 older
AD95-07-01Effective Apr 12, 1995Textron Lycoming O-360, LO-360, HO-360, HIO-360, TIO-360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, TIO-540, LTIO-540, IVO-540, AEIO-540, TIO-541, and IO-720 Series Reciprocating EnginesOne-time

Unapproved connecting rod bolts sourced from Superior Air Parts, Inc., have failed in certain Textron Lycoming engines, potentially causing engine failure. The AD requires removing all suspect connecting rod bolts prior to further flight and replacing them with serviceable bolts.

Read the AD in the Federal Register
For engines in the fleet4 in force
AD2026-04-11Effective Apr 8, 2026Lycoming EnginesRepetitive

Certain connecting rod assemblies and bushings installed in Lycoming engines may fail due to inadequate design, potentially causing engine failure. This AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze particulates and replacement of affected connecting rod bushings with eligible parts.

Engine models named TIO-541 series

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD2022-16-03Effective Aug 15, 2022Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., Lycoming Engines, and Textron Lycoming/Subsidiary of Textron, Inc. Reciprocating EnginesOne-time

Improperly lubricated roller bearings in certain S-1200 series magnetos may cause overheating and magneto seizure. This AD requires replacement of affected magnetos or inspection and component replacement if no white grease is detected.

Engine models named TIO-541

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD2002-12-07Effective Jul 3, 2002Textron Lycoming Reciprocating EnginesEmergency AD

Oil can leak between the converter plate and accessory housing on certain Lycoming engines, potentially causing complete engine oil loss, engine seizure, and fire. This AD requires replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket or kit, inspection of the oil filter base for leakage, and eventually installation of an improved gasket or kit to eliminate the need for repetitive replacements.

Engine models named TIO-541-E Series

Read the AD in the Federal Register
AD97-15-11Effective Aug 12, 1997Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming Reciprocating EnginesOne-time

Certain Lycoming reciprocal engines may have defective piston pins that could fail and cause engine failure. Affected engines must be removed from service and replaced with serviceable parts according to the referenced service bulletin.

Engine models named TIO-541

Read the AD in the Federal Register

Engine ADs name an engine model family used on some Dukes; check the exact model and serial. 4 more apply by part number only and are not listed.

Accident history

43 U.S. accidents involving the Duke since 1995, 21 of them fatal, with 44 fatalities. Homebuilt aircraft excluded. Counts, not rates: they follow fleet size, hours flown and how the airplane is used.

By phase of flight1995–2024
  • Ground41
  • Takeoff and climb129
  • Cruise102
  • Maneuvering33
  • Approach and descent86
  • Landing60

Phase of the event the NTSB recorded as defining the accident.

By five-year periodAccidents
  • 1995–1999115
  • 2000–200484
  • 2005–200972
  • 2010–201464
  • 2015–201965
  • 2020–202451

2024 is year to date. Investigations can take a year or more to reach the data.

NTSB cause findings, 2008–2024 · share of 19 accidents with findings

  • 63% Personnel issues
  • 37% Aircraft performance and control
  • 32% Aircraft systems, powerplant and structure
  • 11% Environmental issues

Most frequent cause findings

  1. Aircraft controlPersonnel issues4
  2. Fuel: fluid levelAircraft systems, powerplant and structure3
  3. Decision making/judgmentPersonnel issues2
  4. Altitude: not attained/maintainedAircraft performance and control2
  5. Fuel planningPersonnel issues2
  6. Situational awarenessPersonnel issues1
  7. Fuel distribution: not inspectedAircraft systems, powerplant and structure1
  8. Visibility: effect on personnelEnvironmental issues1
  9. Rain: effect on personnelEnvironmental issues1
  10. Fuel pumps: malfunctionAircraft systems, powerplant and structure1

Findings about systems and powerplant

  1. Fuel: fluid levelFluids3
  2. Fuel distribution: not inspectedEngine fuel and control1
  3. Fuel pumps: malfunctionFuel system1
  4. Fuel distribution: failureEngine fuel and control1
  5. Brake: incorrect use/operationLanding gear system1

Wording is the NTSB’s. An accident can carry findings in several categories. Read individual investigations in the NTSB’s CAROL database.

What gets written up

43 reports · 1995–2015

The ten systems with the most service difficulty reports, by FAA system code (JASC). Fewer than 200 reports were filed on the Duke in 2016–2025, so read these as long-run patterns.

74Magneto/​DistributorJASC 7414 · Ignition System37.0%0

Parts most often named Gear (2) · Coil (1)

PILOT REPORTED ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. REMOVED FUEL CONTROL, FLOW CHECKED. FOUND BAD RIGHT MAGNETO. TEETH STRIPPED FROM DISTRIBUTOR GEAR.

Reported condition, as filed1998 · SDR 98ZZZX2574

PILOT REPORTED ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. REMOVED FUEL CONTROL FLOW, CHECKED. FOUND BAD RIGHT MAGNETO. TEETH STRIPPED FROM DISTRIBUTER GEAR.

Reported condition, as filed1998 · SDR 98ZZZX2603

(AUS) RH ENGINE LH MAGNETO 'CLEAR CASE' COIL DETERIORATED AND CASE SEVERLY CRACKED - FOUND DURING INSPECTION IAW AD/ELECT/66 AMDT 1 - AIRCRAFT WAS PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED AS VH-EZT

Reported condition, as filed1996 · SDR AU960487
73Fuel Flow IndicatingJASC 7331 · Engine Fuel And Control37.0%0

Parts most often named Transmitter (1) · Indicator (1) · O-Ring (1)

ACFT EXPERIENCED AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE IN THE LT ENG NACELLE DUE TO A LEAKING LT FUEL FLOW TRANSMITTER. THE TRANSMITTER HAD A BRITTLE/CRACKED O-RING SEAL. THE TRANSMITTER WAS LAST O/H IN 1998. THE RT ENG FUEL FLOW TRANSMITTER HAD BEEN OVERHAULED AT THE SAME TIME AND WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING ALSO.

Reported condition, as filed2009 · SDR 2009FA0001079

INSTALLED SHADIN FUEL FLOW INDICATOR SYSTEM. PROCESSOR LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION ON SECOND TEST. RETURNED TO FACTORY FOR [S/N removed]. (X)

Reported condition, as filed2000 · SDR 20001017SH038
28Fuel StorageJASC 2810 · Aircraft Fuel System24.7%0

Parts most often named Fuel Cell (2)

FUEL CELL BEGAN LEAKING IN MARCH, 1994; WAS REMOVED AND SENT TO A/C FUEL CELLS WORLDWIDE, INC., FOR REPAIR. A/C CONDEMNED CELL AND REBUILT CELL WAS PURCHASED FOR REPLACEMENT (WORK ORDER NR 9938, INSPECTED 4-18-94) IN APRIL, 1994. JUNE, 1997, REPLACEMENT CELL REMOVED FOR LEAKS AND RETURNED TO A/C FUEL CELLS FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. WARRANTY REPAIR REFUSED, A/C CONDEMNED REPLACEMENT CELL. AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEPT FULL AT ALL TIMES. REASON FOR DETERIORATION NOT KNOWN.

Reported condition, as filed1997 · SDR 97ZZZX3387
78Engine Collector/​Tailpipe/​NozzleJASC 7810 · Engine Exhaust System24.7%0

Parts most often named Pipe (1) · Wye Assy (1)

AN INTENSE IN-FLIGHT FIRE OCCURRED WHEN A CRACK IN THE LEFT ENGINE WYE EXHAUST ASSY DEVELOPED AND ALLOWED HOT EXHAUST GAS TO LEAK THROUGH LOOSE COUPLING INTO ACCESSORY SECTION. THE CRACK IN THE WYE ASSY COULD NOT BE DETECTED UNTIL AIR PRESSURE WAS FORCED INTO EXHAUST SYSTEM BY BLOCKING OFF PORTS. SUBMITTER SUGGESTS THIS PROCEDURE BE ACCOMPLISHED AT LEAST ON ANNUAL INSPECTIONS.

Reported condition, as filed1995 · SDR 95ZZZX6178
61Propeller Hub SectionJASC 6114 · Propeller System24.7%0

Parts most often named Hub (2)

(CAN) PROPELLER WAS RECEIVED FOR O/H DUE TO A FOREIGN OBJECT STRIKE. WHEN THE PAINT WAS REMOVED FROM THE HUB CORROSION IN THE BLADE SEAL GROOVES WAS NOTED. AFTER CONSULTING THE MFG O/H MANUAL IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HUB IS NOT REPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REMOVED FROM [S/N removed].

Reported condition, as filed2009 · SDR CA091013004
25Emergency Locator BeaconJASC 2562 · Cabin Equipment/Furnishings24.7%0

Parts most often named Elt (2)

(CAN) WHEN TESTING THE ELT AT ITS ANNUAL INSP THE ELT HAD NO MODULATION AND NO OUTPUT POWER. THE ELT REPLACED WITH A [S/N removed] UNIT. (TC NR 20080208002)

Reported condition, as filed2008 · SDR CA080208002

ALKALINE BATTERY PACK LEAKED AND CORRODED ELT MONITOR. REPLACED ELT WITH NEW ELT NOT REQUIRING A LITHIUM BATTERY PACK. (X)

Reported condition, as filed2000 · SDR 20000810SH001
32Landing Gear Retract/​Extend SystemJASC 3230 · Landing Gear System24.7%0

Parts most often named Push-Pull Rod (1) · Motor (1)

PILOT REPORTED A FAULTY NOSE GEAR INDICATION FOR DOWN AND LOCKED. NOSE GEAR PUSH PULL ROD FAILED JUST FORWARD OF THE AFT END ATTACH POINT. STEEL DRIVE TUBE HAD INDICATIONS OF A CRACK THAT HAD PROGRESSED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED ON TOUCHDOWN.

Reported condition, as filed2013 · SDR 2013FA0000402

LANDING GEAR FAILED TO EXTEND. ACFT LANDED GEAR UP. FOUND ELECTRIC MOTOR SEIZED. COULD NOT EXTEND LANDING GEAR MANUALLY.

Reported condition, as filed2010 · SDR 2010FA0000063
57Trailing Edge FlapsJASC 5753 · Wing Structure24.7%0

Parts most often named Bracket (2)

DURING A 2400-HOUR INSPECTION, THE NOSE ROLLER OUTBOARD FORWARD HINGE BRACKET WAS FOUND CRACKED ON LT AND RT FLAPS. REPLACED BRACKET WITH NEW.

Reported condition, as filed1998 · SDR 98ZZZX1734
24DC Generating SystemJASC 2430 · Electrical Power System24.7%0

Parts most often named Control Unit (1) · Electrical Sys (1)

LEFT STARTER WOULD NOT ROTATE WHEN START WAS SELECTED. REPLACED GENERATOR CONTROL UNIT. SYSTEM WAS RESTORED TO NORMAL.

Reported condition, as filed1996 · SDR 96ZZZX2232
85Reciprocating Engine Power SectionJASC 8520 · Engine (Reciprocating)24.7%0

Parts most often named Lifter (2)

UPON REMOVAL OF PUSH RODS AND PUSH ROD TUBES FOR RESEAL, THE LIFTERS WERE REMOVED FOR BLEEDING. THE LIFTERS WERE INSPECTED AND WERE FOUND TO HAVE SEVERE SPALLING. MFG WAS NOTIFIED AND ENGINES ARE TO BE REMOVED AND SENT BACK FOR REPAIR. ENGINES HAVE 132.4 HRS TT. CAMSHAFT IS ALSO WORN.

Reported condition, as filed2001 · SDR 2001FA0000572

UPON REMOVAL OF PUSH RODS AND PUSH ROD TUBES FOR RESEAL. THE LIFTERS WERE REMOVED FOR BLEEDING. THE LIFTERS WERE INSPECTED AND WERE FOUND TO HAVE SEVERE SPALLING. MFG WAS NOTIFIED AND ENGINES ARE TO BE REMOVED AND SENT BACK FOR REPAIR. ENGINES HAVE 132.4 HOURS TT. CAMSHAFT IS ALSO WORN.

Reported condition, as filed2001 · SDR 2001FA0000655

Open a row to read what mechanics wrote. Tail and serial numbers are removed.

Where on the airframe

Where Duke service difficulty reports cluster, by airframe zone1234567
  1. 1Engine, ignition & fuel control10
  2. 2Propeller2
  3. 3Electrical & instruments2
  4. 4Fuel system2
  5. 5Wing structure & flaps2
  6. 6Cabin & systems2
  7. 7Landing gear & brakes2

Reports in the ten systems above, by zone. Schematic, not to scale.

Reports filed by year

1995: 5 reports19951996: 6 reports1997: 6 reports1998: 9 reports91999: 0 reports2000: 2 reports20002001: 3 reports2002: 1 reports2003: 0 reports2004: 0 reports2005: 0 reports20052006: 0 reports2007: 2 reports2008: 2 reports2009: 4 reports2010: 1 reports20102011: 0 reports2012: 0 reports2013: 1 reports2014: 0 reports2015: 1 reports (year to date)’15

Peak 1998 (9). Hatched bar is 2015 to date.

At the pre-buy

My pre-buy card · Duke

0 of 2 looked at

The components written up most often since 2011. Take this to the pre-buy and ask your inspector about each one; tap a mark to record what they found. Saved on this device only.

  1. Landing Gear Retract/​Extend SystemJASC 3230 · 1 reports · Not yet looked at
  2. Altimeter, Barometric/​EncoderJASC 3416 · 1 reports · Not yet looked at
open OK found something

A starting point for the conversation with your inspector, not maintenance advice.

What buyers get caught by

The expensive surprises on any used airplane are missing logbooks, corrosion under paint, outstanding ADs, an engine near overhaul, and the same squawk written up again and again. The card lists where the Duke gets written up; the AD timetable below lists what the FAA requires.

Ask for the logbook entries that match each item. A repeated entry is a pattern, not a coincidence.

Alerts for the Duke

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