N70DD

Substantial
None

BEECH 58S/N: TH-370

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, January 3, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA120
Location
Brainerd, MN
Event ID
20090106X53332
Coordinates
46.386390, -94.136947
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the unforcasted freezing rain that obscured the windscreen and hindered the pilot's ability to judge the height of the airplane above the runway.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N70DD
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
TH-370
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1973
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BEMIDJI AVIATION SERVICES INC
Address
BOX 624
Status
Deregistered
City
BEMIDJI
State / Zip Code
MN 56601
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the flight he encountered unforecasted freezing rain. He questioned air traffic control about the weather and was told that they were not showing any precipitation. The pilot requested and received a descent to a lower altitude to stay below the clouds. The airplane's airspeed continued to decrease and the pilot informed air traffic control that he wanted to divert to a nearby airport. The pilot made two low passes over the airport while trying to clear ice off of the windshield; however, the windshield alcohol de-ice could not keep up with the ice accumulation. The pilot stated he had to look out of the side window during the landing and once he descended below the tree line, he was unable to accurately judge his height over the runway. He stated this was compounded by the light color of the new concrete runway which had snow blowing across it. A hard landing resulted after which the pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp. The right wing strut was bent and the wing was pushed into the fuselage during the landing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA120