Pilot Debrief

BEECH 35 near Glencoe, MN — 2012-03-21

Final reportCEN12FA196
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Date
2012-03-21
Location
Glencoe, MN, USA
Aircraft
BEECH 35
Registration
N3871N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3

Probable cause

The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded and an in-flight breakup.

NTSB narrative

The non-instrument-rated private pilot was conducting the accident flight under visual flight rules without a flight plan. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the airplane flying from east to west but could not see the airplane due to the low clouds and reduced visibility. Subsequently, the witnesses heard a loud crack and then the impact of the airplane with the ground. Based upon witness statements and reported weather conditions near the accident site, the flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions. The distribution of the wreckage was consistent with an in-flight breakup starting with the separation of the left wing followed by the separation of the empennage. All fracture surfaces were consistent with overload failure. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. There was no record of the pilot receiving a preflight weather briefing from a recorded source.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 19 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents19

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