Pilot Debrief

BEECH 58 near New Bedford, MA — 2013-07-31

Final reportERA13CA355
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Date
2013-07-31
Location
New Bedford, MA, USA
Airport
EWB
Aircraft
BEECH 58
Registration
N58DL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to land in the displaced threshold, resulting in a collision with the approach lighting system.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was completing a short cross-country flight and planned a practice short field landing at the destination airport. He landed on his planned touchdown point, but did not take the height of the runway threshold lights into consideration. During the final approach, the airplane struck the approach lighting system at the 400 and 600-foot positions from the runway end. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and confirmed substantial damage to the lower surface of the fuselage, including both wing bulkheads. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The runway had a 413-foot-long displaced threshold and the touchdown occurred near the front edge of the threshold.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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