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NTSB Report

November 18, 2004 · Socata TB 21-TC · N55510

Binghamton, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 18, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Binghamton, NY
Aircraft
Socata TB 21-TC
Tail Number
N55510
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD05CA015

The reported ceilings were 200 feet overcast, and the pilot continued with the ILS Runway 34 approach. During the approach the airplane was "low and off centerline," the pilot initiated the missed approach procedure, and the airplane struck trees during the climb. The airplane continued to climb, and the pilot returned to his departure airport and completed a safe landing. The pilot reported that the airplane's handling and performance were "great," and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. When asked what led to the collision with trees, he responded, "Pilot error; I'm not blaming anyone but me."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper IFR procedure by his flight below the decision altitude, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

Full Narrative

On November 18, 2004, at 0751 eastern standard time, a Socata TB-21-TC, N55510, was substantially damaged during collision with trees following a missed approach to Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), Binghamton, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), at 0720. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot explained that the purpose of the flight was to pick up two passengers in Binghamton, and transport them on an "Angel Flight" to Boston, Massachusetts. He further explained that at takeoff from Wilkes-Barre, the "predicted" ceiling at the Greater Binghamton Airport was 700 feet overcast. Upon arrival to the Binghamton area, the reported ceilings at BGM were 200 feet overcast, and the pilot continued with the ILS Runway 34 approach. During the approach the airplane was "low and off centerline," the pilot initiated the missed approach procedure, and the airplane struck trees during the climb. The airplane continued to climb, and the pilot returned to Wilkes-Barre and completed a safe landing. The pilot reported that the airplane's handling and performance were "great," and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. When asked what led to the collision with trees, he responded, "Pilot error; I'm not blaming anyone but me." At 0753, the weather reported at Greater Binghamton Airport included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet with 3/4 miles of visibility in mist. At 0723, the weather reported at BGM included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet with 1/2 mile visibility in fog. Weather observations for the 3 hours after the accident each showed an overcast ceiling at 200 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:51 EST
Nearest AirportBinghamton Regional/Edwin A Li (0nm)
Runway34
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSocata TB 21-TC
Tail NumberN55510
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-AB1AD · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data