BEECH 58

Augusta, GA — May 24, 2017

Event Information

DateMay 24, 2017
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA17LA189
Event ID20170524X92524
LocationAugusta, GA
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.38111, -81.97056
AirportAUGUSTA RGNL AT BUSH FIELD
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeBEECH
Model58
CategoryAIR
FAR Part135
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNITE
WeatherIMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane for landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s fatigue and self-induced distractions.

Full Narrative

On May 24, 2017, about 0100 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft BE-58, N9132S, was substantially damaged during a gear-up landing at Augusta Regional Airfield (AGS), Augusta, Georgia. The commercial pilot was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. The on-demand cargo flight departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Chicago, Illinois, was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.The pilot stated he departed on a personal flight at 0715. Later in the day, he accepted a Part 135 flight with an expected departure time of 1630, but the departure was delayed until 2000. The pilot stated that while on approach he did not extend the landing gear at the final approach fix, which was standard procedure, and he failed to confirm a safe landing gear indication before landing. He reported that their no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that he was fatigued, and his attempts to contact the fixed base operator during approach distracted him.

On scene examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wing ribs and stringers.

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second class medical certificate was issued August 11, 2016. The pilot reported 14,000 total hours of flight experience, of which 6,000 hours were in the accident airplane make and model.

The six-seat, low-wing, retractable tricycle-gear airplane was manufactured in 1976 and was powered by two Continental, IO-520, 285-horsepower engines. The airplane's most recent inspection was completed on May 9, 2017, at 13,247 total aircraft hours.

At 0053, recorded weather at AGS included an overcast ceiling at 700 feet, calm wind, and 10 miles of visibility. The temperature was 21° C, the dew point was 20° C, and the altimeter setting was 29.69 inches of mercury.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

All Aviation Events More in GA