ATL99LA024

On November 28, 1998, at 1138 eastern standard time, a Beech 33-F33A, N69FL, while maneuvering to land at airport collided with the ground in a residential area in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot sustained serious injuries, the passenger sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane departed Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida, at 1102 enroute to Brunswick, Georgia.

During a telephone interview with the pilot, the pilot reported that he did not remember any of the details of the flight or the accident. The passenger reported that they flew to Craig Field where the pilot had a radio installed. After the flight departed Craig Field the pilot attempted to use the radio, but discovered that there was a loss of electrical power. Air Traffic Controller from Jacksonville, Florida, observed the airplane as it circled near Fernandina Beach Airport. The passenger reported that the pilot used a walkie-talkie and established radio contact with a man who was knowledgeable of Beech Aircraft. With the assistance of the ground person the pilot hand-cranked the landing gear down.

The pilot made a low pass over the airport for a visual gear inspection. According to a witness at the airport, it appeared that the landing gear was extended. He continued to observe the airplane as the pilot executed a tight left turn. The airplane disappeared below the trees on the upwind side of runway 08. The airplane collided with a tree and the ground in a residential area.

The examination of the accident site disclosed that wreckage debris was scattered over an area 70 feet long and 40 feet wide. The wreckage path was orientated on a 315 degree magnetic heading. There were several slash marks on the roadway 60 feet southeast of the main wreckage. Imprints of the left main landing gear and the nose section of the airframe were located at the roadway curb. The main wreckage rested in the front yard of a single family home and was 41 feet northwest of the road curb. The outboard left wing panel collided with a palm tree in the front yard.

Several electrical components were removed from the airplane for additional examination. Test were conducted on the battery, the voltage regulator, and the alternator. The battery case showed signs of damage, and was tested by a mechanic, who stated that the battery voltage dropped to approximately 1 volt when a load was applied. According to the mechanic a normal condition battery would have continued to show a potential of 14 to 18 volts under such a load. The battery was tested once again and it dropped again to 1 volt. The aircraft maintenance personnel concluded from the testing that the battery was discharged during flight, then damaged during the impact. The examination of voltage regulator found that it functioned normally. Corrosion was noted on the external connector pins. The alternator was tested and no discrepancies were noted.