N55VS

On January 25, 1995, at 1630 central standard time, a Beechcraft BE33-A, N55VS, was substantially damaged during landing near Lago Vista, Texas. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed for the personal, cross country flight.

The airplane departed Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), Monroe, Louisiana, approximately 1400 on an IFR flight to Lago Vista Airpark (5R3), Lago Vista, Texas. The pilot stated that most of the flight was flown above "solid overcast cloud layers" in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot further stated that he received Austin (AUS) ATIS information which reported the weather to be 1600 overcast and 7 miles visibility. Austin is located 20 miles southeast of Lago Vista.

The pilot then executed the VOR/DME-A approach with the intent to "circle to land" on runway 33. According to the pilot, "the entire approach was flown in IMC." While on the approach, the pilot updated ATIS information which reported the weather to be 1800 overcast, 7 miles visibility. The published missed approach point (MAP) for the approach was 5 miles from the final approach fix (FAF) and 7/10 mile northwest of the runway midpoint. The published Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) was 1780 feet mean sea level (MSL). Lago Vista Airpark elevation 1231 feet MSL.

The pilot further stated that he "did not have visual reference with the airport until the airplane was almost on top of the runway" at 600 feet above ground level (AGL). At this point, the pilot commenced a descending right turn and stayed "tight so as not to lose sight of the runway." He stated that the airplane was descending below 300 feet in a "steep turn on a 45 degree bearing to runway 33." He continued the steep turn to intercept final and as he "started to level the wings to land, the airplane just dropped." He further stated that "the right wing impacted the runway, and the airplane skidded off the side of the runway."

Examination of the aircraft at the scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed structural damage to both wings.