N1981L

Substantial
None

Beech B24RS/N: MC-425

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 25, 2007
NTSB Number
ATL07CA056
Location
Monks Corner, SC
Event ID
20070524X00631
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's misjudgment of speed/distance/altitude which resulted in a undershoot of the runway.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1981L
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
MC-425
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
B24RBE24
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FITZPATRICK FRANCIS X
Address
36 CUMMINGS PL
Status
Deregistered
City
BRIGANTINE
State / Zip Code
NJ 08203-2827
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he had three passengers onboard and was in contact with air traffic controllers at Charleston Approach. He recalled that the radios began to flicker on and off and radio communication was lost. After checking the voltage he realized that he was having an electric failure. He set the transponder to the emergency code and prepared for a precautionary landing at Berkeley County Airport, Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The pilot stated that during the final approach to landing, he reduced the power to idle and attempted to extended the landing gear. The airplane began to descend rapidly and the pilot added power. The pilot stated," although he added power the airplane continued to descend". He landed approximately 100 feet short of the runway, and collided with ground debris. After the airplane came to a stop the pilot and passengers exited the airplane uninjured. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical or flight control anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. Examination by an FAA inspector revealed that the wings were separated from the wing roots, and the fuselage was buckled. The landing gear handle, and landing gear was in the up and stowed position. Further examination revealed the alternator tension bolt was loose.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL07CA056