Pilot Debrief

BEECH P35 near Correctionville, IA — 2012-12-02

Final reportCEN13FA082
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Date
2012-12-02
Location
Correctionville, IA, USA
Aircraft
BEECH P35
Registration
N1566Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was receiving flight-following services. He advised an air traffic controller that he had the airport in sight, and the controller acknowledged and told the pilot that radar services were terminated. The airport had an unimproved grass strip and runway lights. Two witnesses who lived next to the airport said thick fog quickly enveloped the area shortly before the accident. Another witness said that visibility had dropped to less than 1/4 mile and that he heard the airplane fly low over his house but could not see it. On the approach to land, the airplane struck trees and terrain about 1/4 mile northeast of the airport. A postimpact fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was instrument equipped and the commercial pilot held an instrument rating.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to divert to a different airport due to deteriorating visibility.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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