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NTSB Report

July 2, 2016 · Beech 23 NO Series · N8704M

Maryville, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 2016
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Maryville, MO
Aircraft
Beech 23 NO Series (1963)
Tail Number
N8704M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA357

The pilot reported that on final approach to runway 17, he was "distracted" by the runway composition and dimensions. The pilot reported that he identified the high tension power lines just before impact. He recalled that when he saw the power lines he "pulled up" in an attempt to climb, however it was too late, the propeller and engine cowl struck the power lines and the airplane slid down the power line wires toward the ground and came to rest in a corn field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage aft of the cabin, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with any portion of the airplane during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations. The Airport/Facility Directory states the dimensions and composition of the runway, displaced threshold and the high tension power lines as: The first 630 feet of the runway is gravel and turf, and the width is 60 feet. The next 1300 feet of runway is a 14 foot wide section of concrete with 18 feet of turf on both sides of the concrete. The final 1120 feet of runway is a 12 to 25 foot wide section of gravel and asphalt chips, with 12.5 to17.5 feet of turf on both sides of the gravel and asphalt chips. The displaced threshold is marked with 5 tires on each side of the runway. High tension power line wires are about 1200 feet north of the runway threshold and do not have any safety markings. The power lines that the airplane struck intersect and cross the approach end of runway 17 at approximately 30 degrees. Furthermore, the power lines are depicted on the FAA Aeronautical Chart for the airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines on approach during landing, resulting a power line strike, uncontrolled descent, and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that on final approach to runway 17, he was "distracted" by the runway composition and dimensions. The pilot reported that he identified the high tension power lines just before impact. He recalled that when he saw the power lines he "pulled up" in an attempt to climb, however it was too late, the propeller and engine cowl struck the power lines and the airplane slid down the power line wires toward the ground and came to rest in a corn field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage aft of the cabin, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with any portion of the airplane during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations. The Airport/Facility Directory states the dimensions and composition of the runway, displaced threshold and the high tension power lines as: The first 630 feet of the runway is gravel and turf, and the width is 60 feet. The next 1300 feet of runway is a 14 foot wide section of concrete with 18 feet of turf on both sides of the concrete. The final 1120 feet of runway is a 12 to 25 foot wide section of gravel and asphalt chips, with 12.5 to17.5 feet of turf on both sides of the gravel and asphalt chips. The displaced threshold is marked with 5 tires on each side of the runway. High tension power line wires are about 1200 feet north of the runway threshold and do not have any safety markings. The power lines that the airplane struck intersect and cross the approach end of runway 17 at approximately 30 degrees. Furthermore, the power lines are depicted on the FAA Aeronautical Chart for the airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:12 CDT
Nearest AirportRANKIN (0nm SW)
Runway17
Runway Length3050 ft
Runway Width25 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 23 NO Series
Tail NumberN8704M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320-D2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data