Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA97LA019

WALNUT COVE, NC, USA

Aircraft #1

N8077M

Beech A36

Analysis

The pilot/owner and a flight instructor (CFI) were on an instructional flight as part of the American Bonanza Society Pilot Proficiency Program. The aircraft owner was designated pilot-in-command (PIC) and the CFI was designated as a check pilot. A simulated engine failure was performed while approaching the airport. The PIC was flying the aircraft and crossed the threshold at between 90 and 100 knots. The aircraft touched down about midway on the 2,725 foot runway. The pilot applied moderate braking. By the time the check pilot responded with heavy braking, the aircraft was over running the runway where it collided with a ditch.

Factual Information

On November 9, 1996, about 0920 eastern standard time, a Beech A-36, N8077M, registered to an individual, overran the runway and collided with a ditch at Meadow Brook Field, Walnut Cove, North Carolina, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot-in-command and airline transport-rated check pilot were not injured. The flight originated from Winston Salem, North Carolina, the same day, about 0840. The pilot-in-command stated he owned the aircraft. He was participating in the American Bonanza Society's Pilot Proficiency Program. He was receiving instruction from an American Bonanza Society certified flight instructor as part of the program. He filed an instrument flight rules flight plan, using his name, from Winston Salem to Walnut Cove. Upon arrival at Walnut Cove, they performed the VOR/DME approach to runway 34. About 1 mile from the runway the instructor told him to remove the foggles and land the airplane. He located the runway and determined they were too high to land. He made a left circling approach and while abeam the approach end of the runway the flight instructor simulated an engine failure. They crossed the runway threshold at 20 feet and 100 knots airspeed. The aircraft did not slow well and seemed to float excessively. They touched down about midfield and he applied the brakes with moderate force, attempting not to skid. The aircraft did not slow as he expected and the instructor applied full braking. The right wheel skidded and the aircraft veered to the right and went off the runway. They collided with a ditch where the aircraft came to rest. The flight instructor stated that before departure he "had a specific discussion concerning pilot-in-command. Dr. Tomares agreed that he would be pilot-in-command since it was his aircraft and under his control." After the simulated engine failure at Walnut Cove, the pilot-in-command was flying the aircraft and they crossed the threshold at about 90 knots. They touched down about midfield at 65 to 70 knots. The pilot-in-command began light braking. When he, the flight instructor, realized the pilot was not applying firm braking, the pilot increased his braking intensity, but it was too late to stop the aircraft on the runway. Toward the end of the runway the right main wheel stopped rotating and the aircraft veered to the right as it went off the runway into the drainage ditch.

Probable Cause and Findings

failure of the pilot/owner (PIC) to either go around while there was sufficient runway remaining or apply adequate braking to stop the aircraft before overrunning the runway. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot/owner's misjudgment of distance and speed, his failure to attain the proper touchdown point, the check airman's failure to properly supervise the pilot/owner, and the proximity of the ditch to the runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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