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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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October 21, 1997 · Diamond Aircraft Industries DA20-A1 · N534SS

West Palm Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA20-A1
Tail Number
N534SS
Operator
Erik Richard Lindqvist
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA006

According to the pilot of a small airplane (Diamond Aircraft Industries DA20-A1) he was cleared to land on 27R. While on final approach at about 200 feet, a large airplane (MD-80) passed close to him on the right. The controller warned the pilot of possible wake turbulence. The airplane then rolled and crashed into the ground. During an investigation, an FAA inspector stated (and air traffic control audio tapes confirmed) that the pilot had been cleared to land on runway 27L, and he had been advised that his traffic was an MD-80, landing on 27R. After being cleared to land on 27L, the airplane deviated towards runway 27R. The FAA inspector stated that air traffic controllers observed the nose of the airplane go up, then the airplane rolled left and impacted the ground in a left wing low and partially inverted attitude.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadvertent use of the wrong runway, and his improper decision to continue the approach behind a large airplane (MD-80), which resulted in a wake turbulence encounter, loss of aircraft control, and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 1997, about 1220 eastern daylight time, a Diamond Aircraft Industries DA20-A1, N534SS, collided with the ground between runways 27L and 27R while on approach to the Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Melbourne, Florida at 1100. The pilot stated that he passed over the airport and was told by air traffic control to expect 27R. After being vectored, he stated he was cleared to land on 27R. While on final approach at 200 feet, a MD-80 passed close to him on the right. The controller warned the pilot of possible wake turbulence. The airplane then rolled upside down and crashed into the ground. The FAA inspector stated, and air traffic control audio tapes confirmed, that the airplane was cleared to land on runway 27L, and given the traffic, an MD-80, landing on 27R. After being cleared to land on 27L, the airplane was observed deviating towards 27R. The FAA inspector stated that the air traffic controllers observed the nose of the airplane go up and then the airplane rolled left, impacting the ground left wing low and partially inverted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 EDT
Nearest AirportPalm Beach International (1nm E)
Runway27L
Runway Length7989 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiamond Aircraft Industries DA20-A1
Tail NumberN534SS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorErik Richard Lindqvist
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912F3 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data