# NTSB FTW97LA056: Beech A23, N3597R, Conway, AR, December 7, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 7, 1996, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Conway, AR - Coordinates: 35.070152, -92.359397 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0702&lon=-92.3594&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 21, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20121 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA056 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20121/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA056 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind during the landing, and his failure to remain clear of the tree during the attempted go-around. The crosswind and the proximity of the small tree were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, landing - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - go-around - attempted, pilot in command - In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis According to the pilot, he was landing on runway 18, when a 'right crosswind gust lifted his right wing.' The airplane 'was pushed to the left side of the runway,' and the pilot attempted a go-around. He stated that his airplane then impacted a small tree and 'he pulled up and stalled the plane.' The airplane came to rest in a group of small trees and underbrush with the right wing resting on a chain link fence. ## Factual narrative On December 7, 1996, at approximately 1230 central standard time, a Beech A23, N3597R, was substantially damaged following loss of control during landing near Conway, Arkansas. The private pilot, sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight which originated approximately 60 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed. As reported by the pilot in his Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report and in an interview with the IIC, he was landing on runway 18 when a "right crosswind gust lifted his right wing." The airplane "was pushed to the left side of the runway," and the pilot attempted a go-around. The pilot stated that his airplane then impacted a small tree and "he pulled up and stalled the plane." The airplane came to rest in a group of small trees and underbrush with the right wing resting on a chain link fence. The airframe was bent, the wings were twisted, there was a hole in the right wing fuel tank, and the left main gear and nose gear were separated from the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3597R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3597R-2013-05-01), registration cancelled 2013-05-01, S/N M-778, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech A23 - Registry model: [Beech A23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23) (registry code 1151204) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-346 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-346-series) (registry code 17033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: M-778 - Airframe hours: 2810 - Engines: Continental IO-346A 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Tommy J. Ingram - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: M07 - Airport: M03, Dennis F. Cantrell Field, runway 18, 3,278 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight; seat: left; flight hours: 150 total, 90 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 7 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: LIT, 20 nm away ## 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 19961207037519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961207037519A), Dec 7, 1996: Beech A23, Conway, AR, Substantial damage. Landing of runway. Crosswind gust lifted right wing, applied power too late, drifted left off runway, hit fence. (-23) on December 7, 1996, at 1230 CST, a… 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.