N72SC

On May 26, 2004, approximately 1445 central daylight time, a Beech 58P twin-engine airplane, N72SC, was substantially damaged upon collision with terrain when it overran the end of runway 16 at Downtown Airpark (2DT), near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to Vintage Aero, Inc., of Duncan, Oklahoma, and operated by the pilot. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight that originated from Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), near Dallas, Texas, approximately 1400, destined for 2DT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The 2,039-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that during cruise flight at 3,000 feet mean seal level (msl), he cancelled his IFR flight plan and switched to the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) once he had 2DT in sight. The pilot reported his intent on the CTAF to enter a left downwind for runway 16 (a 3,240-feet long and 85-feet wide asphalt runway) when he was approximately 5 miles south of the airport. Upon entering left downwind at 1,900 feet, the pilot stated that "he was too close to the airport" and turned the airplane to the right to widen his traffic pattern.

Feeling "uncomfortable" with his approach, the pilot decided to turn base "a little high." The pilot further stated that he considered a go-around but "didn't want to take the time," so he continued a tight S-turn to line up with the runway centerline. As the airplane lined up with the runway, the pilot noted he was "still high and a little fast," and he reduced engine power for landing. The pilot that the airplane touched down "solid" as he applied "brakes as hard as possible, noting good braking action." Subsequently, the airplane exited the departure end of runway 16 and impacted a creek, nosed-over, and came to rest inverted.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the engine was pushed inward and the nose gear was sheared off. The firewall was buckled. The left wing and empennage sustained structural damage, and the fuselage exhibited wrinkling throughout.