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NTSB Report
November 23, 1998 · Beech BE-55 · N5638S
Crystal, MN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Crystal, MN
Aircraft
Beech BE-55
Tail Number
N5638S
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI99LA037
The pilot reported that, 'Shortly after turning final I became completely blinded by the low setting sun. I unknowingly lost altitude that put me below the tree tops. This resulted in complete loss of control. The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch... .'
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath. A factor was the sunglare.
Full Narrative
On November 23, 1998, at 1615 central standard time, a Beech Baron BE-55, N5638S, was substantially damaged during landing. The airplane was on a VFR approach to runway 24R at Crystal Airport, Crystal, Minnesota, when it hit the top of trees and impacted the ground on final approach. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Crystal Airport for a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that, "Shortly after turning final I became completely blinded by the low setting sun. I unknowingly lost altitude that put me below the tree tops. This resulted in complete loss of control. The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch... ."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CST
Nearest AirportCrystal Airport (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length2499 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech BE-55
Tail NumberN5638S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-C · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 80 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC