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NTSB Report
April 13, 1989 · Beech A60 · N4445W
Indianapolis, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Aircraft
Beech A60
Tail Number
N4445W
Operator
Gilbert Davidson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89LA072
WHILE ON THE FINAL APPROACH, APPROXIMATELY 1000 FEET FROM THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF APPROACH LIGHTS AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES. THE AIRCRAFT DAMAGED SEVENTEEN APPROACH LIGHTS ON A TOTAL OF FIVE SUPPORT STRUCTURES, BUT WAS SAFELY LANDED AND TAXIED TO THE RAMP. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE EXECUTED A NON-STANDARD APPROACH AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL AIRSPEED, IN AN EFFORT TO ACCOMMODATE FASTER TRAFFIC BEHIND HIM ON THE APPROACH. HE SAID HIS NON-STABILIZED APPROACH RESULTED IN 'AN UNDETECTED INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DESCENT...' HE SAID THAT THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE END OF A FATIGUING DAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT MISJUDGED ALTITUDE AND/OR DISTANCE TO THE RUNWAY WILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARK NIGHT AND PILOT FATIGUE.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON THE FINAL APPROACH, APPROXIMATELY 1000 FEET FROM THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF APPROACH LIGHTS AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES. THE AIRCRAFT DAMAGED SEVENTEEN APPROACH LIGHTS ON A TOTAL OF FIVE SUPPORT STRUCTURES, BUT WAS SAFELY LANDED AND TAXIED TO THE RAMP. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE EXECUTED A NON-STANDARD APPROACH AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL AIRSPEED, IN AN EFFORT TO ACCOMMODATE FASTER TRAFFIC BEHIND HIM ON THE APPROACH. HE SAID HIS NON-STABILIZED APPROACH RESULTED IN 'AN UNDETECTED INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DESCENT...' HE SAID THAT THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE END OF A FATIGUING DAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportIndianapolis (0nm N)
Runway22R
Runway Length10005 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech A60
Tail NumberN4445W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGilbert Davidson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TSIO-541-E1C4 · Reciprocating · 380
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind290° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:47
Weather SourceWFAC