BEECH V35 near Lusby, MD — 2011-11-20

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain clearance from trees during a night approach.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the night flight, he made an initial pass to locate the airfield and to turn on the runway lights via the radio. He rejected the first approach when he lost sight of the landing area. He visually reacquired the field and began his second approach. During the second approach, he saw the runway lights from the approach end to the departure end and the windsock to the left of the runway. He recalled that he felt that the airplane was slightly low. He stated that, while he was on what he believed was short final, trees appeared in front of the windscreen, and trees limbs and branches began to hit the airplane. The airplane began to severely vibrate and shimmy, so the pilot reduced power and pushed the yoke forward to force the airplane onto the ground. The airplane collided with the ground, and the airframe was substantially damaged.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Approach-VFR pattern final
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Witness Statement-Airport managerinterview
• Photo 1-courtesy of FAA- Front view rightside of airplanephotos
• Photo 2-courtesy of FAA-Leftside view of airplanephotos

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