Pilot Debrief

BEECH C23 near South Bend, IN — 2025-09-10

Final reportCEN25LA382
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Date
2025-09-10
Location
South Bend, IN, USA
Airport
SBN
Aircraft
BEECH C23
Registration
N997V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go around which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, about 200 to 300 ft above the ground, the pilot’s side door became unlatched. The pilot decided to return to the airport and land to close the door. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder input, but the airplane continued to the right. He initiated a go-around but was unable to gain sufficient airspeed. The airplane stalled and impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron. According to the pilot no mechanical failures or malfunctions were observed before the door opened during the initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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