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NTSB Report
June 20, 2020 · Beech 77 No Series · N3815Z
Elizabethton, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elizabethton, TN
Aircraft
Beech 77 No Series (1981)
Tail Number
N3815Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA222
The student pilot and his passenger departed on a visual flight rules cross country flight and entered instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot decided to continue climbing, and when the airplane exited the clouds, the student pilot saw the top of a mountain and trees directly in front of him. He “stalled” the airplane to reduce speed and the airplane impacted trees at a speed of about 60 knots before it descended to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, but the student pilot and the passenger were uninjured. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane what would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that he made a mistake and took full responsibility for the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot's decision to continue from visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and mountainous terrain.
Full Narrative
The student pilot and his passenger departed on a visual flight rules cross country flight and entered instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot decided to continue climbing, and when the airplane exited the clouds, the student pilot saw the top of a mountain and trees directly in front of him. He “stalled” the airplane to reduce speed and the airplane impacted trees at a speed of about 60 knots before it descended to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, but the student pilot and the passenger were uninjured. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane what would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that he made a mistake and took full responsibility for the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech 77 No Series
Tail NumberN3815Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 L2C · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time12:35
Weather SourceWFAC