N89HS

On February 12, 1996 about 1010 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-46-350P, N89HS, was destroyed when it collided with the ground while on final approach to the Butler County K W Scholter Field, Butler, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Erie, Pennsylvania. There was no flight plan for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot was conducting a visual approach to runway 8 when the left wing collided with the ground approximately 75 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airplane came to rest about 160 feet down the runway, and off the right side. Postaccident examination of the wreckage by the FAA Inspector revealed no preimpact anomalies with the airframe or engine.

A pilot, who landed approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident flight, stated that on his approach and landing to runway 26, there were intermittent snow showers, and the visibility was less than 2 miles. He observed the wind sock and estimated the winds were from the northwest at 10 to 15 knots with gusts, and he experienced turbulence with the airspeed varying plus or minus 10 knots. At the time of the accident, the pilot observed a snow squall over the airport and stated that the visibility was considerably less

A National Transportation Safety Board meteorology report stated that an airman's meteorological information (AIRMET) inflight weather advisory was issued for occasional moderate turbulence below 8,000 feet, at 0345, and valid for the Butler area. The AIRMET was reissued, at 0945, and continued to advise of similar conditions. In addition, the 0945 AIRMET added the following, "Low level wind shear potential over the Boston Area Forecast area east of an Erie-Bristol line due to gusty northwesterly surface winds. Conditions ending by 1600."

At Beaver County Airport, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, 19 miles to the east of Butler, the weather was reported at 0945 as, estimated ceiling 3000 broken, visibility 20 miles, winds from 310 degrees at 15 knots; and at 1045 as, estimated ceiling 3000 broken, visibility 20 miles, winds from 310 degrees at 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots.

On March 17, the pilot succumbed from the injuries received during the accident.