# NTSB ATL88LA054: Beech B24R, N1999L, Sewanee, TN, December 9, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1987, 10:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Sewanee, TN
- Coordinates: 35.200275, -85.919784 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2003&lon=-85.9198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7685
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7685/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA054

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - drizzle/mist (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT HE OBTAINED A WX BRIEFING BEFORE TAKEOFF & THAT THE WX AT HIS INTENDED DESTINATION WAS RPRTD AS MARGINAL. WHILE EN ROUTE, HE ENCOUNTERED WX AND CLIMBED ABOVE IT. APRX 4 HRS AFTER DEPARTURE, HE BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMAINING FUEL SUPPLY AND ELECTED TO LAND. HE FOUND AN OPENING IN THE CLOUD COVER AND BEGAN A DESCENT. AS THE ACFT DESCENDED, THE PLT BECAME AWARE THAT HE WAS NEAR A MTN TOP. HE STATED THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED WIND CURRENTS AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL; AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE WINDS FORCED IT DOWN INTO THE TREES. A NEARBY HUNTER, WHO HEARD THE CRASH, SAID THE WX WAS FOGGY AND LIGHT DRIZZLE WAS FALLING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1999L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1999L-1991-01-28), registration cancelled 1991-01-28, S/N MC432 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH B24R
- Registry model: [Beech B24R](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-b24r) (registry code 1151253) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MC-432
- Airframe hours: 1826
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph F. Cain
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1987
- Departed: MCKENNY, TX
- Destination: FAY, FAYETTEVILLE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 387 total, 265 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Observed at: HSV

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19871209070009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871209070009A), Dec 9, 1987: Beech B24R, Sewanee, TN, Substantial damage. Flew VFR on top until low on fuel. Let down through clouds,hit trees on mountainside. Forecast marginal VFR.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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