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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

March 21, 1997 · Socata TB-21C · N55510

Hollywood, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hollywood, FL
Aircraft
Socata TB-21C
Tail Number
N55510
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA126

The pilot stated that while being vectored after takeoff, he observed adverse weather ahead and advised the controller. The controller had received a PIREP, which indicated only light precipitation. The flight continued on the vectored heading and encountered severe adverse weather, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. The pilot regained control of the aircraft after obtaining visual reference with the ground, then the flight continued to the planned destination. The pilot was advised after the occurrence to contact the facility, which he did. He was advised by the area supervisor that '... he would take care of that, and I would have nothing to worry about.' During routine surveillance, an FAA inspector observed that the wing spars and vertical stabilizer of the aircraft had been damaged, and he notified the NTSB. The occurrence was first observed and reported to the NTSB 15 days after the date of the occurrence; therefore, voice and radar tapes from the ATC facility and from the FSS were not available for review.

NTSB Probable Cause

continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and the pilot allowing the aircraft to exceed its design stress limits. Weather associated with the thunderstorm was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On March 21, 1997, about 1330 eastern standard time, a Socata TB-21C, N55510, registered to a private individual, was substantially damaged during cruise flight while in contact with Miami Approach Control, near Hollywood, Florida. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the accident and an IFR flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from the North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida, about 1328. After takeoff while being vectored by a controller the actual heading flown was 180 degrees off the vectored heading. The flight continued and according to the controller, he depicted weather on the radar scope but after obtaining a Pilot Report (PIREP) and no report of adverse weather, he vectored the flight in that same area. The pilot stated that after takeoff while being vectored he observed adverse weather ahead and advised the controller of this, who told him that only light precipitation was ahead. The flight continued on the vectored heading, encountered IMC conditions at 1,500 feet, and the pilot reported that he experienced an in-flight loss of control. While descending vertically, he obtained visual reference with the ground and regained control of the airplane. The flight continued and he was advised to contact the approach control area supervisor upon landing. The pilot complied and told the supervisor the flight conditions encountered and the supervisor advised the pilot that "...he would take care of that, and I would have nothing to worry about." During routine surveillance at the airport on April 9, 1997, 19 days after the accident, an FAA airworthiness inspector observed the airplane with damaged wing spars and vertical stabilizer and reported this to the NTSB. The voice and radar tapes from the Miami Approach control and the voice tape from the Miami Automated International Flight Service Station for the weather briefing for the day of the occurrence, were put back in service 15 days after the day of the accident and were not available for review. The pilot failed to timely report the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EST
Nearest AirportNorth Perry (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSocata TB-21C
Tail NumberN55510
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-C4D5D · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 12 kt
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingOvercast 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data