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NTSB Report
April 19, 1989 · Beech B19 · N2231L
Augusta, ME
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 19, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Augusta, ME
Aircraft
Beech B19
Tail Number
N2231L
Operator
Maine Instrument Flight School
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC89FA121
SHORTLY AFTER TAKING OFF, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A DIRT BLUFF, 197 FT SHORT OF RUNWAY 8 AND 22 FT BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE RUNWAY. WITNESSES WHO OBSERVED THE CRASH SAID THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DEVIATE OR ROCK WINGS PRIOR TO IMPACT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-EXISTING FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WITH EITHER THE ENGINE OR AIRFRAME. THE PROPELLER HAD DEEP LEADING EDGE MARKS AND CHORD WISE STRIATIONS. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF SEAT BELT USAGE BY THE PILOT, WHO WAS THROWN CLEAR OF THE WRECKAGE. THE PILOT WAS AN INVESTMENT BANKER, WHO HAD JUST BEEN PLACED ON LEAVE WITH PAY BY HIS EMPLOYER, WHILE HIS FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WERE BEING CHECKED.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE DURING THE APPROACH. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKING OFF, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A DIRT BLUFF, 197 FT SHORT OF RUNWAY 8 AND 22 FT BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE RUNWAY. WITNESSES WHO OBSERVED THE CRASH SAID THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DEVIATE OR ROCK WINGS PRIOR TO IMPACT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-EXISTING FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WITH EITHER THE ENGINE OR AIRFRAME. THE PROPELLER HAD DEEP LEADING EDGE MARKS AND CHORD WISE STRIATIONS. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF SEAT BELT USAGE BY THE PILOT, WHO WAS THROWN CLEAR OF THE WRECKAGE. THE PILOT WAS AN INVESTMENT BANKER, WHO HAD JUST BEEN PLACED ON LEAVE WITH PAY BY HIS EMPLOYER, WHILE HIS FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WERE BEING CHECKED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:05 EDT
Nearest AirportAugusta State (0nm N)
Runway8
Runway Length2703 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech B19
Tail NumberN2231L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMaine Instrument Flight School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:24
Weather SourceWFAC