Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath. A factor was the sunglare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 23, 1998, at 1615 central standard time, a Beech Baron BE-55, N5638S, was substantially damaged during landing. The airplane was on a VFR approach to runway 24R at Crystal Airport, Crystal, Minnesota, when it hit the top of trees and impacted the ground on final approach. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Crystal Airport for a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported that, "Shortly after turning final I became completely blinded by the low setting sun. I unknowingly lost altitude that put me below the tree tops. This resulted in complete loss of control. The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch... ."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI99LA037