# NTSB ERA09CA038: Beech 35-C33, N5891J, Atlanta, GA, November 5, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 5, 2008, 17:02 local (22:02 UTC) - Place: Atlanta, GA - Coordinates: 33.779167, -84.521385 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7792&lon=-84.5214&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 24, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 69408 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09CA038 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69408/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA038 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glide path during the final approach, resulting in a collision with the airport approach lights. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 35-C33, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1151408), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: runway/taxi/approach light](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Beech 35-C33, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md?model=1151408), [All aircraft, 106 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 35-C33, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=1151408), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech 35-C33, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=1151408), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was landing at his home airport and requested runway 32 since the winds were reported from 320 at 6 knots. Dusk lighting conditions prevailed. The final approach is initially over trees, then opens into a cleared area where approach lights are positioned. After crossing over the trees on short final, the airplane seemed to drop and the pilot added power. The airplane contacted the approach lights and the airport perimeter fence before coming to a stop in the grass adjacent to the runway. The FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident and found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot concluded that he may have hit an air pocket. ## Factual narrative The pilot was landing at his home airport and requested runway 32 since the winds were reported from 320 at 6 knots. Dusk lighting conditions prevailed. The final approach is initially over trees, then opens into a cleared area where approach lights are positioned. After crossing over the trees on short final, the airplane seemed to drop and the pilot added power. The airplane contacted the approach lights and the airport perimeter fence before coming to a stop in the grass adjacent to the runway. The FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident and found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot concluded that he may have hit an air pocket. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5891J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5891J), registered now, S/N CD-919, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH 35-C33 - Registry model: [Beech 35-C33](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-35-c33) (registry code 1151408) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: CD-919 - Airframe hours: 3060 - Engines: CONT MOTOR I0-470 SERIES 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Lindsey William L - Registered owner: Lindsey William L - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, December 29, 2007, 37 hours before - Departed: KOPN, Thomaston, GA - Destination: KFTY, Atlanta, GA - Airport: KFTY, Fulton County Airport, runway 32, 4,157 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 71; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 24, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 2,030 total, 1,530 in this make and model, 1,950 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 320° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: KFTY ## Other investigations on N5891J (2) 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. - [NTSB ERA24FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA058), Dec 7, 2023: Beech 35-C33 (N5891J), Pulaski, TN, destroyed, 2 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in pilot-induced oscillations and a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain. - [NTSB SEA85LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA189), Jul 15, 1985: Beech 35-C33 (N5891J), Scappoose, OR, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.