# NTSB FTW98FA191: Beech F33A, N2179L, Del Rio, TX, April 24, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: April 23, 1998, 21:15 local (Apr 24, 1998, 02:15 UTC) - Place: Del Rio, TX - Coordinates: 29.370351, -100.890724 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3704&lon=-100.8907&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report November 14, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20416 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98FA191 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20416/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA191 ## Probable cause the pilot's loss of control during a go-around after impacting approach light poles on initial approach. A contributing factor was the prevailing dark night light condition. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - light condition - dark night (contributing factor) - On ground/water collision with object, landing - aborted - object - approach light/navaid - Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - rock(s)/boulder(s) ## Analysis The non-instrument rated private pilot completed a 1.3-hour dark night cross-country flight. Two witnesses reported observing the airplane attempting to execute an apparent "go-around" on runway 13, which was 5,100 feet in length. The two witnesses observed that the aircraft made a right turn near mid-field, followed by the nose of the airplane dropping towards the ground. Evidence at the site showed that the airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and a post impact fire ensued. Flight control continuity was established. No anomalies were found with the airframe or engine during examination. Ground scars corresponding to the main landing gear tires for the airplane were found 1,266 feet short of the landing threshold for runway 13. Additionally, five light poles were found knocked down short of the landing threshold. The aforementioned physical evidence shows that the airplane had apparently landed short of runway 13, impacted the approach lighting system, executed a go-around, and subsequently impacted the ground. ## Factual narrative On April 23, 1998, approximately 2115 central daylight time, a Beech F33A airplane, N2179L, was destroyed when it impacted the ground while maneuvering in the landing pattern at the Del Rio International Airport, Del Rio, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received fatal injuries. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. According to family members, the pilot intended to make a full stop landing at Del Rio after a 1.3 hour cross country flight that originated from Port Aransas, Texas. Several witnesses reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that they observed the aircraft execute an apparent "go-around" after an approach to runway 13, which is 5,100 feet in length. Both witnesses observed the aircraft turning to the right at mid-field when the nose "dropped." Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and a post impact fire ensued. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2179L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2179L-1998-06-15), registration cancelled 1998-06-15, S/N CE667 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech F33A - Registry model: [Beech F33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-f33a) (registry code 1151425) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: CE-667 - Airframe hours: 1763 - Engines: Continental IO-520-BA 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: David C. Ohlson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 1998, 10 hours before - Departed: 2R8, PORT ARANSAS, TX - Destination: DRT - Airport: DRT, Del Rio International, runway 13, 5,100 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 276 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 130° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 174 °F, dew point 118 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: DRT ## 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 19980423007469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980423007469A), Apr 23, 1998: Beech F33A, Del Rio, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Acft crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after takeoff, pilot suffered fatal inj, acft was destroyed. (-23) on April 23, 1998, approximately 2115… 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.