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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 27, 1997 · Beech 35-B33 · N5743K

Englewood, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Englewood, CO
Aircraft
Beech 35-B33
Tail Number
N5743K
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA079

The prevailing wind favored landing on runway 28, but it was closed due to a previous incident and the airplane was blocking the runway. The pilot accepted runway 35R for landing. The wind was from 290 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 28 knots. As the pilot aligned the airplane with the runway, he noticed 'snow fingers' across the runway so he planned his touchdown between the centerline and the right side of the runway. The airplane touched down and the crosswind caused the airplane to drift right. The airplane was substantially damaged when it struck a snow berm on the right side of the runway. According to the Beech Aircraft Corporation, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Beech 35-B33 is 17 knots. This would produce a crosswind component of about 17 knots and a headwind component about 10 knots. Gusts of 28 knots would produce a crosswind component of about 24 knots and a headwind component of 14 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to land in wind conditions that exceeded the airplane's crosswind component, and his failure to divert to an alternate airport with runways more nearly aligned with the wind. Factors were the icy runway and crosswind.

Full Narrative

On December 27, 1997, at 1451 mountain standard time, a Beech 35-B33, N5743K, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a snow berm while landing at Englewood, Colorado. The private pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Fort Worth, Texas, at 1115 central standard time, and made an en route stop at Wichita Falls, Texas. According to the pilot, the prevailing wind favored landing on runway 28. The runway, however, was closed due to a previous incident and the airplane was blocking the runway. The pilot accepted runway 35R for landing. He said control tower personnel told him the wind was from 290 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 28 knots. As the pilot aligned the airplane with the runway, he noticed "snow fingers" across the runway so he planned his touchdown between the centerline and the right side of the runway. The airplane touched down and the crosswind caused the airplane to drift right. The airplane struck a snow berm on the right side of the runway, causing it to spin around. According to the Beech Aircraft Corporation, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Beech 35-B33 is 17 knots. Plotting the reported wind on the wind component chart, it was determined that a 60 degree crosswind at 20 knots would produce a crosswind component of about 17 knots and a headwind component about 10 knots. Gusts of 28 knots would produce a crosswind component of about 24 knots and a headwind component of 14 knots. There was substantial damage to the right wing. Additionally, the landing gear collapsed and the engine was torn loose from its mounts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:51 MST
Nearest AirportCentennial (0nm)
Runway35R
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 35-B33
Tail NumberN5743K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Cont · IO-470-K · Reciprocating · 225
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 14 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data