19981017029469A

(.19) On October 17, 1998, at 0033 central daylight time, a Beech 65-B80, N138BA, registered to bemidji aviation services, inc. of bemidji, Minnesota, and operated by an instrument rated commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain one-quarter mile short of runway 23 at Brainerd, Minnesota. The pilot who received minor injuries reported that his attention was diverted during the approach and the airplane accident occurred in a controlled descent into the terrain. The flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions on an IFR flight plan. The 14 CFR part 91 positioning flight departed minneapolis, Minnesota, exact time unknown. (-23) the flight was being operated under part 91 as a ferry/repositioning flight without cargo on board. ARTCC operating on extended range, unable to give radar vectors. Pilot requested ILS23 approach @brd and was cleared for the approach and to maintain 4000' until established on the final approach course, with instructions to contact center after landing close flight plan. When a/c failed to contact center, search and rescue procedures were initiated. The pilot stated that the approach seemed to be normal until reaching a point where he should have visually acquired the runway. At this point during the approach he attempted to activate pilot controlled airport lighting but was unsuccessful. He checked the selected radio frequency in the number 2 radio, found that he had an incorrect frequency set and proceeded to select the correct frequency. Due to the preoccupation with the radio frequency problem, the aircraft was allowed to deviate below the glide slope and left of the desired course. As the pilot initiated a correction to return to the localizer and glide slope, the a/c impacted the swamp. The three landing gear separated from the aircraft, followed by separation of the right engine from the Wing. The sircraft sustained substantial damage to all major structural components and slid or skipped to the shore approx. 150 yards away. The aircraft came to rest short of the large stand of trees at the edge of the swamp. The pilot waited approx. one hour for the rain to let up to the point where he could observe the reflection of the airport beacon. Unable to proceed through the heavy growth of trees/brush, the pilot proceeded on foot through the swamp to an airport lighting tower, which he climbed and used his flashlight to indicate his position to the rescue workers. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for facial lacerations and was released.