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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 3, 2009 · Beech 58 · N70DD

Brainerd, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brainerd, MN
Aircraft
Beech 58
Tail Number
N70DD
Operator
Bemidji Aviation Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA120

The pilot diverted to a nearby airport after he encountered unforecasted freezing rain. He made two low passes over the airport while trying to clear ice off of the windshield; however, the windshield alcohol de-ice could not keep up with the ice accumulation. The pilot stated that he had to look out of the side window during the landing and once he descended below the tree line, he was unable to accurately judge his height over the runway. He stated that this was compounded by the light color of the new concrete runway which had snow blowing across it. A hard landing resulted after which the pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp. The right wing sustained substantial damage during the landing. The pilot stated that the de-ice systems on the airplane were working, but they could not keep up with the rate of ice accumulation

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the unforcasted freezing rain that obscured the windscreen and hindered the pilot's ability to judge the height of the airplane above the runway.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the flight he encountered unforecasted freezing rain. He questioned air traffic control about the weather and was told that they were not showing any precipitation. The pilot requested and received a descent to a lower altitude to stay below the clouds. The airplane's airspeed continued to decrease and the pilot informed air traffic control that he wanted to divert to a nearby airport. The pilot made two low passes over the airport while trying to clear ice off of the windshield; however, the windshield alcohol de-ice could not keep up with the ice accumulation. The pilot stated he had to look out of the side window during the landing and once he descended below the tree line, he was unable to accurately judge his height over the runway. He stated this was compounded by the light color of the new concrete runway which had snow blowing across it. A hard landing resulted after which the pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp. The right wing strut was bent and the wing was pushed into the fuselage during the landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 CST
Nearest AirportBrainerd - Lakes Regional (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 58
Tail NumberN70DD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBemidji Aviation Services
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-CB7 · Reciprocating · 285 | Continental · IO-520-CB7 · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 2600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 12 C
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data