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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 6, 1996 · Beech B55 · N17732

Park Rapids, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 6, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Park Rapids, MN
Aircraft
Beech B55
Tail Number
N17732
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA040

In her written statement, the pilot reported that there was 'slight trace ice' in the clouds. She flew a localizer approach. On short final, the airspeed was 'slightly (5knots) below blue line.' She 'felt buffet, yaw, flutter... added power.' The airplane 'yawed to the right with the addition of power.' She initiated a go around. The airplane began to 'buck and yaw uncontrollably.' She lowered the pitch attitude, raised the landing gear, and 'attempted flaps up.' The airplane settled on the south side of the runway in a snow bank. The pilot rated passenger stated that the pilot 'flared high' and 'over corrected.' He reported that the airplane 'rocked violently' up to 60 degrees of bank. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Photographs of the airplane, taken after the accident, exhibit a ridge of approximately 1/8 inch of rime ice on the upper portion of the wing and stabilizer leading edges.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's high flare. Factors were the icing weather condition and the airframe ice.

Full Narrative

On December 6, 1996, at 0700 central standard time, a Beech B55, N17732, operated by Midwest Surgical Services, Inc., was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during an aborted landing in Park Rapids, Minnesota. The commercial pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91, business flight originated in St. Cloud, Minnesota, at 0615, with a planned destination of Park Rapids, Minnesota. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. In her written statement, the pilot reported that there was "slight trace ice" in the clouds. She flew a localizer approach. On short final, the airspeed was "slightly (5knots) below blue line." She "felt buffet, yaw, flutter... added power." The airplane "yawed to the right with the addition of power." She initiated a go around. The airplane began to "buck and yaw uncontrollably." She lowered the pitch attitude, raised the landing gear, and "attempted flaps up." The airplane settled on the south side of the runway in a snow bank. The pilot rated passenger wrote "we picked up light ice on the descent. We made the decision to apply only approach flaps on descent due to ice on the tail. We crossed over the threshold of runway 31 a little high. As we approached to land, [the pilot] flared the airplane and we felt the buffeting of a stall. During a telephone interview conducted on March 18, 1997, he reported that the pilot "flared high" and "over corrected." He reported that the airplane "rocked violently" up to 60 degrees of bank. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the airplane reported no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Photographs of the airplane, taken after the accident, exhibit a ridge of approximately 1/8 inch of rime ice on the upper portion of the wing and stabilizer leading edges. The left side propeller blades were curled aft from midspan outboard. The right side propeller blades were curled aft at the tips and bent forward from midspan outboard.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CST
Nearest AirportPark Rapids (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length5498 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech B55
Tail NumberN17732
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDawn
Wind190° @ 8 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data