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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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November 20, 2011 · Beech V35 · N9569Q

Lusby, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 20, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Lusby, MD
Aircraft
Beech V35
Tail Number
N9569Q
Operator
Hefron William K
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA080

The pilot stated that, during the night flight, he made an initial pass to locate the airfield and to turn on the runway lights via the radio. He rejected the first approach when he lost sight of the landing area. He visually reacquired the field and began his second approach. During the second approach, he saw the runway lights from the approach end to the departure end and the windsock to the left of the runway. He recalled that he felt that the airplane was slightly low. He stated that, while he was on what he believed was short final, trees appeared in front of the windscreen, and trees limbs and branches began to hit the airplane. The airplane began to severely vibrate and shimmy, so the pilot reduced power and pushed the yoke forward to force the airplane onto the ground. The airplane collided with the ground, and the airframe was substantially damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that during a night flight he made an initial pass to locate the airfield and turn on the runway lights via radio. The first approach was aborted when he lost sight of the landing area. He visually re-acquired the field and began his second approach. During the second approach, he saw the runway lights from the approach end to the departure end and the wind sock to the left of the runway. He recalled that he felt slightly low during the approach. On what he believed was short final, he stated that trees appeared in front of the windscreen. Trees limbs and branches began to hit the airplane. The airplane began to severely vibrate and shimmy, so the pilot reduced power and pushed the yoke forward to force the airplane on the ground. The airplane collided with the ground and the airframe was substantially damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EST
Nearest AirportChesapeake Ranch Airport (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech V35
Tail NumberN9569Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHefron William K
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 52
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data