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NTSB Report
July 2, 1986 · Beech 95-B 55 · N133P
Lynchburg, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1986
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Aircraft
Beech 95-B 55
Tail Number
N133P
Operator
Michael R Drinkard
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO86FA038
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN INTO KNOWN AND FORECAST IFR WEATHER. DURING HIS SECOND ILS APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT, AFTER THE CONTROL TOWER HAD CLOSED, HE FAILED TO UTILIZE THE AIRCRAFT RADIO TO ILLUMINATE THE APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM. THE PILOT FAILED TO LOCATE THE RUNWAY ENVIRONMENT IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLETE THE ILS LANDING. THEREAFTER, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CIRCLE UNDERNEATH THE 300 FOOT CEILING ON THE DARK NIGHT AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO TREES ON THE AIRPORT.
Full Narrative
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN INTO KNOWN AND FORECAST IFR WEATHER. DURING HIS SECOND ILS APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT, AFTER THE CONTROL TOWER HAD CLOSED, HE FAILED TO UTILIZE THE AIRCRAFT RADIO TO ILLUMINATE THE APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM. THE PILOT FAILED TO LOCATE THE RUNWAY ENVIRONMENT IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLETE THE ILS LANDING. THEREAFTER, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CIRCLE UNDERNEATH THE 300 FOOT CEILING ON THE DARK NIGHT AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO TREES ON THE AIRPORT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:39 EDT
Nearest AirportLynchburg Municipal (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length5799 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech 95-B 55
Tail NumberN133P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMichael R Drinkard
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470 L · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind40° @ 3 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time03:32
Weather SourceWFAC