# NTSB CHI89FA196: Beech A36TC, N2YS, Greencastle, IN, September 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1989, 19:01 local (Sep 30, 1989, 00:01 UTC)
- Place: Greencastle, IN
- Coordinates: 39.64001, -86.83966 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6400&lon=-86.8397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 25, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14276
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89FA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14276/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA196

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A VISUAL APPROACH AT DUSK.   FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  LIGHT CONDITIONS AT DUSK, THE PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION, AND THE TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MAKING A VISUAL APPROACH AT DUSK TO RUNWAY 36, WHICH SLOPED UPWARD FROM THE APPROACH END. IT WAS LIGHTED WITH LOW INTENSITY LIGHTS. AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS PROCEEDING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEFT BASE LEG, IT COLLIDED WITH TREES ABOUT 50' ABOVE THE GROUND. IT THEN CRASHED TO THE GROUND & BEGAN BURNING. ONE PASSENGER EGRESSED FROM THE AIRCRAFT WITH INJURIES FROM IMPACT & FIRE. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNTION WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2YS (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A36TC
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: EA-106
- Airframe hours: 1150
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-UB 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Roger B. Turrell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 13, 1989, 15 hours before
- Departed: I68, LEBANON, OH
- Airport: 4I7, Putnam City, runway 36, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,500 total, 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 220° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 26 nm away

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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