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NTSB Report
March 25, 1986 · Beech H35 · N5531D
Talihina, OK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Talihina, OK
Aircraft
Beech H35
Tail Number
N5531D
Operator
Calvin E Pierce
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LA048
ACFT HAD A LONG DESCENT FROM CRUISE ALT OF 7500' MSL AT REDUCED POWER SETTING DUE TO PLT'S DESIRE TO AVOID THE MODERATE TURBULENCE AT LOWER ALTITUDES. ON SHORT FINAL, OVER TALL TREES, THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE PLT STATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO ARREST THE DESCENT RATE, THE ENG HESITATED AND CONSEQUENTLY THE ACFT ENTERED THE TOPS OF THE TREES. WINDS WERE VARIABLE FROM 160 TO 230 DEGS AT 15 TO 26 KTS. HILLY TERRAIN IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTED TO MECHANICAL TURBULENCE. PLT GAVE NO INDICATION THAT HE EVER ADDED POWER AT ANY TIME DURING THE DESCENT OR INITIAL APPROACH. ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS INDICATE THAT THE CONDITIONS WERE PRESENT FOR THE FORMATION OF INDUCTION ICING AT GLIDE POWER SETTINGS.
Full Narrative
ACFT HAD A LONG DESCENT FROM CRUISE ALT OF 7500' MSL AT REDUCED POWER SETTING DUE TO PLT'S DESIRE TO AVOID THE MODERATE TURBULENCE AT LOWER ALTITUDES. ON SHORT FINAL, OVER TALL TREES, THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE PLT STATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO ARREST THE DESCENT RATE, THE ENG HESITATED AND CONSEQUENTLY THE ACFT ENTERED THE TOPS OF THE TREES. WINDS WERE VARIABLE FROM 160 TO 230 DEGS AT 15 TO 26 KTS. HILLY TERRAIN IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTED TO MECHANICAL TURBULENCE. PLT GAVE NO INDICATION THAT HE EVER ADDED POWER AT ANY TIME DURING THE DESCENT OR INITIAL APPROACH. ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS INDICATE THAT THE CONDITIONS WERE PRESENT FOR THE FORMATION OF INDUCTION ICING AT GLIDE POWER SETTINGS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 CST
Nearest AirportTalihina Muni (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech H35
Tail NumberN5531D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCalvin E Pierce
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-G · Reciprocating · 240
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 35 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO