KISSIMMEE, FL, USA
N5136C
Beech B35
The pilot stated that while descending at an indicated airspeed of 170 miles per hour (mph), the flight encountered moderate to severe clear air turbulence. He then felt a momentary vibration through the airframe and reduced power. He continued toward the planned destination and made an uneventful landing. Postlanding inspection of the airframe revealed that the rear bulkhead was cracked and that both stabilators and both ruddervators were damaged. The ruddervators were removed and found to be within prescribed limits for static balance checks. Regarding airspeed, the flight manual for the airplane indicated that the beginning of the caution range (VB) was 164 mph.
On June 29, 1996, about 0930 eastern daylight time, a Beech B35, N5136C, registered to West Fair, Inc., encountered clear air turbulence while descending near Kissimmee, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 0830 from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The pilot stated that while descending from 2,000 to 1,500 feet in an area of unstable air with the power set to 24 inches manifold pressure, and at an indicated airspeed of 170 miles per hour, the flight encountered "moderate to severe turbulence." He then felt a vibration through the airframe and immediately reduced power. The vibration only lasted "a couple of seconds" and he elected to continue and landed uneventfully at his planned destination. Post landing inspection of the airplane revealed that the rear bulkhead was cracked and both stabilators and both rudders/elevators were damaged. The flight manual for the airplane indicates that the beginning of the caution range is 164 miles-per-hour. Both rudders/elevators with attach hardware were removed from the airplane and found to be within prescribed limits for static balance tests.
the pilot was operating the airplane at an indicated airspeed that exceeded the design speed for maximum gust intensity (VB), when clear air turbulence was encountered.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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