Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary NYC99LA101

ANNAPPOLIS, MD, USA

Aircraft #1

N2066L

Beech BE-C23

Analysis

The airplane was on a night approach to a 2,505 foot long, asphalt runway. The pilot stated that he used the runway lights and the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI), at an airspeed of 80-85 mph to get set up on a stabilized final approach. As the airplane neared the threshold end of the runway, the pilot realized the airplane was 'too high,' however, he elected to continue the approach. The airplane touched down about midfield, and bounced. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it went into a grassy area, and struck a fence. The airplane came to rest down an embankment, about 335 feet from, and in line with, the departure end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine, nor did the pilot report any.

Factual Information

On May 1, 1999, about 2200 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-C23, N2066L, was substantially damaged while landing at the Lee Airport (ANP), Annapolis, Maryland. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured, and a passenger sustained minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed the Frederick Municipal Airport, Frederick, Maryland, about 2110. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot said the airplane was on approach to runway 30, a 2,505 foot long, 48 foot wide, asphalt runway. He further stated: "...I established final approach using the runway lights and VASI and used the recommended airspeed of 80-85 mph. As I neared the threshold end of the runway it was apparent that I [was] too high in altitude. Full flaps had been deployed on final as recommended. I recall touching down about mid-field and possibly ballooning up. I decided not to go around and proceeded to let the aircraft settle onto the runway. At about this time, I noticed the end of the runway getting very close, I applied brakes and continued into the grass [and] into the fence." The airplane struck a barrier fence and came to rest down an embankment, about 335 feet from, and in line with, the departure end of runway 30. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot reported 200 hours of total flight experience, of which, 84 hours was in the make and model of the accident airplane. Winds reported at an airport about 15 miles, north-northwest from the accident site, at 2154, were from 090 degrees, at 3 knots. The pilot stated he checked the airport's wind sock before the landing, and it appeared non inflated with no movement.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to perform a go-around and he landed long resulting in an overrun. A factor in the accident was the night light conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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