Mastery Flight Training, Inc.  Beech Weekly Accident Update archives

November 2005 Reports

Official information from FAA and NTSB sources (unless otherwise noted).  Editorial comments (contained in parentheses), year-to-date summary and closing comments are those of the author.  All information is preliminary and subject to change.  Comments on preliminary topics are meant solely to enhance flying safety.  Please use these reports to help you more accurately evaluate the potential risks when you make your own decisions about how and when to fly.  Please accept my sincere personal condolences if anyone you know was in a mishap. I welcome your comments, suggestions and criticisms.  Fly safe, and have fun!

Copyright 2005 Mastery Flight Training, Inc.  All Rights Reserved

NEW REPORTS THIS WEEK

7/1 (time not reported):  An “inspector noticed a heavily damaged (Be35) sitting on blocks,” at Gilliam—McConnell Airfield, Carthage, North Carolina.  “Info indicated (the) aircraft ran off the runway during a landing and went into the woods.  The airport is privately owned and the aircraft was recently removed by the owner of the airport.  The aircraft owner/operator (is) unknown and the accident occurred some time around 7/1/2005.”  There was no reported injury despite “substantial” aircraft damage.  Weather conditions at the time of mishap are “unknown.”  N49KB (D-2028) is a 1949 A35 recently (April 2005) registered to an individual in Covington, Louisiana.

(“Loss of directional control on landing”; “Substantial damage”; “Recent registration”)

10/27 2235Z (1835 local):  A Be35 landed gear up at Bowling Green, Kentucky.  The Bonanza “slid 1500 feet” before coming to rest, with no injury to the solo pilot and “unknown” aircraft damage.  Weather: 7000 scattered, visibility 10 miles with a four-knot wind.  N995FM (D-5477) is a 1958 J35 registered since 1992 to an individual in Henderson, Kentucky.

(“Gear up landing”)

10/28 1855Z (1455 local):  “After landing” at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, “all three of (a Be35’s landing) gear collapsed.”  The solo pilot was not injured; damage is “unknown.”  Weather conditions were “not reported.”  N120V (D-6419) is a 1960 M35 registered since 2002 to a corporation in Tonawanda, New York.

(“Gear collapse on landing”)

10/30 1934Z (1434 local):  A Be35 was cleared to land on Trenton, New Jersey’s runway 34 at the completion of a visual flight from Doylestown, Pennsylvania.  The Bonanza “landed…short of (the) runway in a field off the airport boundary.  (The) pilot reported that the engine quit.”  The two aboard weren’t hurt and there was no reported damage.  Weather was “VFR,” clear with a 10 knot wind from 320 degrees.  N699GS (D-1976) is a 1949 A35 registered since 2002 to an individual in Palm Harbor, Florida.

(“Engine failure on approach/in traffic pattern”—might this have been related to switching fuel tanks too close to the ground, with no room to recover if the selection doesn’t go as planned?  This is possible a consequence of conducting a GUMP check at too low an altitude that we’ve seen before)

NEW NTSB PRELIMINARY REPORTS:  All previously reported in the Weekly Accident Update, and subject to update per NTSB findings. 

**10/1 D95A engine failure at Greensboro, North Carolina.  Two of the four aboard now report “minor” injuries.  This is the second time we’ve seen this simple statement on the NTSB site:  "This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information please contact the NTSB's Office of Public Inquires." From the WAU archives: “The pilot and three passengers of a Be95 have “unknown” injuries, and the Travel Air “unknown” damage, after the airplane “experienced an engine failure” and the pilot “made a force landing on a landfill,” during a local flight at Greensboro, North Carolina.  Weather was 2600 overcast, visibility 10 miles with calm winds.  N5606S (TD-656) is/was a 1966 D95A registered since 1997 to a Mount Sterling, Kentucky corporation.”  Mastery Flight Training has requested a copy of the incident report.**

**10/12 F33A engine failure at Millington, Tennessee.  This report also simply states: "This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquires."  From the WAU archives:  “A Be33, “inbound and cleared for the approach” at Millington, Tennessee, “lost engine power and made a landing in the grass beside the runway.”  The flight was arriving from Rogers, Arkansas; the pilot and two passengers were unhurt despite “substantial” damage.  Weather at Millington: “clear and 10” with calm winds.  N273PS (CE-379) is a 1972 F33A registered since September 2004 to a corporation in Memphis, Tennessee.”  Mastery Flight Training has requested a copy of the incident report.**

NEW REPORTS THIS WEEK

11/7 2115Z (1415 local):  The landing gear of a Be35 collapsed on landing, during a local flight at Montrose, Colorado.  The solo pilot wasn’t injured; damage is “minor.”  Weather: “not reported.”  N116F (D-3488) is a 1953 D35 registered since 2003 to a Montrose-based LLC.

(“Gear collapse on landing”)

11/7 2345Z (1845 local):  Two aboard a Be76 suffered “minor” injuries, and the Duchess “unknown” damage, when the airplane crashed on approach to a private airstrip near Greer, South Carolina.  Weather for the night landing was “not reported.”  N3873X (ME-410) is a 1981 Model 76 registered since 1987 to a corporation in Landrum, South Carolina.

(“Approach/unknown”; “Night”—local media reports that the two walked out from the wooded area of the crash and called 911, after which they were taken to a hospital.  The airplane, which did not burn, was found by searchers the next morning)

11/8 1450Z (0950 local):  A Be36’s gear collapsed after landing at Fairhope, Alabama.  There were no injuries on the flight that originated at Tifton, Georgia; damage is “unknown” and weather “not reported.”  N6135C (E-1954) is a 1981 A36 registered since 1998 to a corporation in Tifton.

(“Gear collapse on landing”)

11/9 0010Z (1710 local 11/8/05):  A Be36 “crashed under unknown circumstances” 45 miles south-southwest of Socorro, New Mexico, killing the solo pilot and causing the Bonanza to be “destroyed.”  Weather conditions were “not reported.”  N1548Y (E-2483) was a 1989 A36 registered since 2002 to an individual in Capitan, New Mexico. 

(“Crash/unknown”; “Fatal”; “Aircraft destroyed”—the Associated Press states “the 1989 Beechcraft A-36…crashed and burned Tuesday on the Double H Ranch about 50 miles west of Socorro.  …the airplane had taken off from a ranch at Capitan and was en route to Phoenix….”)

NEW NTSB PRELIMINARY REPORTS:  All previously reported in the Weekly Accident Update, and subject to update per NTSB findings. 

**10/5 Be58 runway overrun during a night IFR approach, at Jacksonville, Florida.  According to the NTSB, “This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.”  N4UT (TH-473) is a 1974 Baron 58 registered since 1998 to a Durham, North Carolina corporation.  Mastery Flight Training has requested a copy of this report.**

**10/5 C23 that landed short of the runway at Higginsville, Missouri.  This was originally reported as occurring on October 10^th.  According to the NTSB, “the airplane…landed on the un-paved portion of a runway under construction and struck the end of the existing runway. All three landing gear were separated from the airplane. …the pilot stated that he landed on the un-finished portion of a runway extension that was approximately 8 inches lower than the existing runway. He stated that there were no markings visible from the air to indicate that the extension was not useable. Plywood chevrons were placed in the grass adjacent to the sides of the runway extension. There were no markings on the new runway extension. The runway extension project was listed in a notice to airmen (NOTAM).”  Check NOTAMs, and run hard copy or write them down so you remember.  Remember also that any NOTAM that is in effect longer than 28 days becomes a Class II NOTAM.  Runway repairs or modifications are a perfect example.  Class II NOTAMs are published on-line in pdf format and are NOT given in telephone or on-line briefings unless you specifically ask—it’s assumed you have read the “published NOTAMs.”  Be certain to ask your briefer or DUAT provider for ALL NOTAMs, including the Class II NOTAMs.** 

NEW REPORTS THIS WEEK

11/9 0227Z (1827 local 11/8/05): En route from Redding, California to Santa Rosa, California, a Be33 “crashed under unknown circumstances” eight miles from Healdsberg, California.  The solo pilot died in the crash, and the Bonanza was “destroyed.”  Weather in the area was 6000 broken, visibility 10 miles, with calm surface winds.  N9204Q (CE-341) was a 1971 F33A registered since 1988 to an individual in Santa Rosa.

(“Crash/Unknown”; “Fatal”; “Aircraft destroyed”; “Night”—local media reports state “the pilot…was in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration prior to the crash, but did not report any mechanical problems.”  A colleague told reporters “the (pilot) was flying home from his law office in Redding when his plane disappeared. (The pilot) regularly commuted between Santa Rosa and Redding,” There were reportedly rain showers in the area and local speculation is that dark night conditions plus weather avoidance contributed to a possible controlled descent into terrain.  Although night VFR is certainly legal and provides great flexibility, it should be planned like it was a day IFR flight, with preplanned routes and alternates, and known minimum safe altitudes for each segment of flight). 

11/9 1747Z (1147 local):  A Be36’s landing gear collapsed during the landing roll, at Montgomery, Alabama.  The two aboard were not hurt and damage is “minor.”  Weather: “clear and 10” with a seven-knot wind.  N25615 (E-460) is a 1973 A36 registered since 1999 to a corporation in Montgomery.

(“Gear collapse on landing”)

11/10 2352Z (1552 local):  A Be76 with two aboard was arriving at Long Beach, California, when it “landed hard and went off the side of the runway and into the grass.”  The two report no injuries and aircraft damage is “minor.”  Weather: 3600 broken, visibility eight miles with a five-knot wind.  N808DJ (ME-391) is a 1982 Duchess registered since March 2004 to a Torrance, California corporation.

(“Hard landing—loss of directional control”—although the FAA preliminaries rarely report the “operation” of the flight any longer, this suggests a possible training mishap with a simulated failed engine as one possible scenario).

11/12 2210Z (1710 local):  A Be33 landed gear up at Gastonia, North Carolina.  The two aboard weren’t injured despite “substantial” damage.  Weather: “few clouds” at 25,000 feet, visibility 10 miles, with a four-knot wind.  N232SU (CE-172) is a 1967 C33A registered since 1994 to an individual in Holland Patent, New York.

(“Gear up landing”; “Substantial damage”)

11/12 2325Z (1725 local):  A Be24’s nose gear would not extend for a night landing at Madison, Mississippi.  The two aboard the local flight were unharmed; damage to the Sierra is “minor.”  Weather: “clear and 10” with a four-knot wind.  N18993 (MC-550) is a 1977 C24R registered since 1995 to an individual in Madison.

(“Landing gear: known mechanical malfunction”; “Night”)

 NEW NTSB PRELIMINARY REPORTS:  All previously reported in the Weekly Accident Update, and subject to update per NTSB findings. 

**10/7 G35 unexplained tail vibration in flight at Longview, Washington.**

**10/28 M35 gear collapse on landing at Pittsfield, Massachusetts.  "This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries."  Mastery Flight Training has requested a copy of this report.**

**11/8 fatal A36 “unknown causes” crash in the desert near Datil, New Mexico.”**

NEW REPORTS THIS WEEK

11/19 2105Z (1505 local):  A Be33 landed gear up at Pawhuska, Oklahoma.  The flight, reportedly departing and recovering at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, resulted in no injuries to the lone pilot, and “minor” damage to the aircraft.  Weather: “clear and 10” with a four-knot surface wind.  N37050 (CE-926) is a 1980 F33A registered since 1992 to a corporation in Bartlesville.

(“Gear up landing”)

11/19 2315Z (1515 local):  A Be24’s gear collapsed on landing at Rio Vista, California.  The solo pilot was not hurt and damage is “minor.”  Weather conditions were “not reported.”  N9372S (MC-366) is a 1975 B24R recently (July 2005) registered to a corporation in Fairfield, California.

(“Gear collapse on landing”; “Recent registration”)

11/20 0204Z (2004 local 11/19/05):  A night flight from Memphis, Tennessee, ended with a Be95’s gear collapse on landing at Jonesboro, Arkansas.  The solo pilot reports no injury and damage is “minor.”  Weather: “not reported.”  N620SV (TD-13) is a 1957 Model 95 registered since 2003 to a corporation in Jonesboro.

(“Gear collapse on landing”; “Night”)

11/20 2130Z (1530 local):  A Be55 landed gear up at Huntsville, Alabama.  The two aboard weren’t hurt, and damage is “minor.”  Weather at Huntsville was 12,000 scattered, visibility 10 miles, with calm surface winds.  N6DL (TC-381) is a 1962 A55 registered since 2004 to an individual in Scottsboro, Alabama.

(“Gear up landing”)

NEW NTSB PRELIMINARY REPORTS:  All previously reported in the Weekly Accident Update, and subject to update per NTSB findings. 

**10/24 B24R loss of directional control on landing at Esperance, New York.  Add “substantial” damage.** 

NEW REPORTS THIS WEEK

11/4 2145Z (1745 local):  A Be55 “of Venezuelan registration…impacted with terrain during takeoff at the Santiago Marino Airport, Porlamar, Venezuela. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was destroyed. The flight was originating at the time.  Information from the Venezuelan government states during the initial takeoff climb the airplane loss power on the left engine. The airplane impacted with terrain and a fire ensued during an attempt by the pilot to return to the departing airport.”  YV-1005P (TC-1980) is a 1976 B55 registered to an individual.

(“Engine failure on takeoff”; “Fatal”; “Aircraft destroyed”—read “Twins and the Impossible Turn” in the Insider’s Series archives under “articles by Thomas P. Turner” at www.ipilot.com )

11/13 1414Z (0714 local):  A Be35’s nose gear collapsed on landing at Kingman, Arizona.  The solo pilot was not hurt; damage is “substantial.”  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  N7900D (D-5134) is a 1957 H35 recently (April 2005) registered to an individual in Phoenix, Arizona.

(“Gear collapse on landing”; “Substantial damage”; “Recent registration”)

11/22 0000Z (1900 local 11/21/05):  A Be36 “landed and (its) gear collapsed,” at Summerville, South Carolina.  The solo pilot was not hurt; damage is “unknown” and weather “not reported.”  N233CK (E-1014) is a 1973 A36 recently (May 2005) registered to a corporation in Alpharetta, Georgia.

(“Gear collapse on landing”; “Recent registration”)

11/23 1800Z (1300 local):  A Be55’s landing gear collapsed while touching down at Gabreski Airport, West Hampton Beach, New York.  The two aboard were not hurt despite “substantial” aircraft damage.  Weather: 4100 scattered, visibility 10 miles with a 15-knot surface wind.  N12TG (TC-705) is a 1964 B55 registered since August 2004 to a corporation in Glen Cove, New York.

(“Gear collapse on landing”; “Substantial damage”)

11/24 1630Z (0930 local):  While landing, a Be23 “bounced and veered off the runway and struck a bush,” at Holbrook, Arizona.  Two aboard for the local flight report no injury; damage is “minor.”  Weather was “clear and 10” with calm winds.  N6005X (M-2126) is a 1978 C23 very recently (November 22, 2005) registered to an individual in Holbrook.

(“Loss of directional control on landing”; “Recent registration”)

11/26 2335Z (1735 local):  Landing at dusk at Wiley Post Airport, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a Be35 “crashed under unknown circumstances.”  The pilot and two passengers, inbound from Clinton, Oklahoma, report no injury despite “substantial” aircraft damage.  Weather was “few clouds” at 2900, visibility 10 miles with a 10-knot wind.  N1554Z (D-6864) is a 1962 P35 registered since 2002 to a co-ownership in Clinton.

(“Landing/Unknown”; “Substantial damage”)

NEW NTSB PRELIMINARY REPORTS:  All previously reported in the Weekly Accident Update, and subject to update per NTSB findings. 

**11/4 fatal B55 engine failure on takeoff at Porlamar, Venezuela, cited above.**

**11/7 Duchess collision with trees during a night landing at Greer, South Carolina.  Change “Approach/Unknown” to “Impact with obstacle on final approach—night landing” and add “Substantial damage.”**

**11/9 F33A fatal controlled descent into terrain under dark, overcast conditions, at Geyervile, California.  Change “Crash/Unknown” to “Controlled descent into terrain—dark night.”**

**11/13 H35 nose gear collapse on landing at Kingman, Arizona, cited above.**

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