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October 3, 2020 · Beech 23 · N8783M

Spruce Pines, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Spruce Pines, NC
Aircraft
Beech 23 (1964)
Tail Number
N8783M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA012

Before attempting to land on the 3,001-ft-long, asphalt runway, the pilot had been advised by personnel at the destination airport that landing toward the upsloping direction of the runway was preferred. The pilot did not check the wind direction prior to landing, and during the landing flare, the airplane did not slow down or descend. The pilot added full flaps, but the airplane continued to float and touched down with about 200 ft of remaining runway. Subsequently, the airplane overran the runway end, proceeded through the airport perimeter fence, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest on a road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Following the accident, the pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and stated that he believed that a tailwind was likely present during the landing attempt.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to familiarize himself with the wind conditions at the destination airport and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing, which resulted in a long, tailwind landing and subsequent runway overrun.

Full Narrative

Before attempting to land on the 3,001-ft-long, asphalt runway, the pilot had been advised by personnel at the destination airport that landing toward the upsloping direction of the runway was preferred. The pilot did not check the wind direction prior to landing, and during the landing flare, the airplane did not slow down or descend. The pilot added full flaps, but the airplane continued to float and touched down with about 200 ft of remaining runway. Subsequently, the airplane overran the runway end, proceeded through the airport perimeter fence, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest on a road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Following the accident, the pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and stated that he believed that a tailwind was likely present during the landing attempt.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EDT
Nearest AirportAvery County Airport (0nm NNW)
Runway35
Runway Length3001 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 23
Tail NumberN8783M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO 346A · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 71 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time13:35

Appendix: Source Data