N4133S

On December 24, 1997, about 0955 eastern standard time, a Beech 33A, N4133S, was substantially damaged during landing at the Lancaster Airport (LNS), Lancaster Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot received minor injures, and the pilot rated passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed the Michael J. Smith Field Airport, Beaufort, North Carolina, about 0740. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot stated the flight was normal and routine until 2 feet above runway 08, when the stall warning horn activated. The pilot said she added a small amount of power, and lowered the nose slightly when the passenger in the right seat grabbed the controls and over powered her. The airplane then pitched up and stalled to the left. The left wing and nose impacted the ground, and the airplane slid onto runway 31. The pilot also stated that she did not experience any mechanical malfunctions prior to the time when the passenger grabbed the controls.

The LNS Air Traffic Controller witnessed the accident. In a written statement he stated:

"...Bonanza 4133S came in IFR, visual to runway 8, pilot made a normal approach. In landing flare, bounced and went vertical, then dropped off on the left wing, impacting runway 31 nose first, then fell back onto its belly..."

In a telephone interview, a witness who observed the airplane on approach stated the plane was in a wings level attitude, when it suddenly pitched up, then went "wing over" to the left.

On scene examination of the wreckage by an FAA Inspector did not disclosed any evidence of pre-impact abnormalities of the airframe or engine.