# NTSB CHI99LA037: Beech BE-55, N5638S, Crystal, MN, November 23, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1998, 16:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Crystal, MN
- Coordinates: 45.060218, -93.380836 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0602&lon=-93.3808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 16, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 45346
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45346/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=45346
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA037

## Probable cause

the pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath.  A factor was the sunglare.

## 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 - final approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot reported that, 'Shortly after turning final I became completely blinded by the low setting sun.  I unknowingly lost altitude that put me below the tree tops. This resulted in complete loss of control.  The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch... .'

## Factual narrative

On November 23, 1998, at 1615 central standard time, a Beech Baron BE-55, N5638S, was substantially damaged during landing.  The airplane was on a VFR approach to runway 24R at Crystal Airport, Crystal, Minnesota, when it hit the top of trees and impacted the ground on final approach.  The commercial pilot was seriously injured.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Crystal Airport for a local flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that, "Shortly after turning final I became completely blinded by the low setting sun.  I unknowingly lost altitude that put me below the tree tops.  This resulted in complete loss of control.  The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch... ."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5638S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5638S-2001-07-09), registration cancelled 2001-07-09, S/N TE-142 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech BE-55
- Registry model: [Beech 95-C55](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-95-c55) (registry code 1152708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TE142
- Airframe hours: 1765
- Engines: Continental IO-520-C 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John L. Kooiker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 14, 1998, 0 hours before
- Departed: MIC
- Airport: MIC, Crystal Airport, runway 24, 2,499 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 80; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,900 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIC

## 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 19981123031519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981123031519A), Nov 23, 1998: Beech 95C55, Minneapolis, MN, Substantial damage. Acft crashed under unknown circumstances while on final approach (.19)on November 23, 1998, at 1615 central standard time, a Beech baron BE-55, N5638S. Was…

## Docket (2 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 19, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=45346. 1.1 MB in all.

- Pilot-operator aircraft accident report NTSB form 61201-2 (item 1, PDF, 6 pages, 525 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13639275&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot-Operator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report%20NTSB%20Form%2061201-2-Master-Rel.pdf
- Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 2, PDF, 3 pages, 608 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13639278&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master-Rel.pdf

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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