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NTSB Report
March 18, 1982 · Bede Aircraft BD-4 · N223LW
Knightdale, NC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 1982
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Knightdale, NC
Aircraft
Bede Aircraft BD-4
Tail Number
N223LW
Operator
Don Cole
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL82FLJ06
TWO WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT ON A LOW FINAL APPROACH FOR RUNWAY 19. THEY REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT THEN TURNED TO AN EASTERLY HEADING. ONE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE LEFT TURN APPEARED TO BE COORDINATED. THE OTHER WITNESS HEARD THE PILOT ADD POWER BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT DISAPPEARED FROM HIS VIEW BEHIND TREES. THE PLANE CRASHED ABOUT 1/2 MILE NORTH OF THE RUNWAY AND APPROXIMATELY 1000 FT EAST OF THE PROJECTED RUNWAY CENTERLINE. THE INITIAL IMPACT OCCURRED WITH TREES AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 50 FT AGL. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS.
Full Narrative
TWO WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT ON A LOW FINAL APPROACH FOR RUNWAY 19. THEY REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT THEN TURNED TO AN EASTERLY HEADING. ONE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE LEFT TURN APPEARED TO BE COORDINATED. THE OTHER WITNESS HEARD THE PILOT ADD POWER BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT DISAPPEARED FROM HIS VIEW BEHIND TREES. THE PLANE CRASHED ABOUT 1/2 MILE NORTH OF THE RUNWAY AND APPROXIMATELY 1000 FT EAST OF THE PROJECTED RUNWAY CENTERLINE. THE INITIAL IMPACT OCCURRED WITH TREES AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 50 FT AGL. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 EST
Nearest AirportWendell-Knightdale (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width35 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBede Aircraft BD-4
Tail NumberN223LW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDon Cole
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg