# NTSB IAD05CA015: Socata TB 21-TC, N55510, Binghamton, NY, November 18, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 18, 2004, 07:51 local (12:51 UTC) - Place: Binghamton, NY - Coordinates: 42.20861, -75.979721 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2086&lon=-75.9797&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 24, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 60586 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD05CA015 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60586/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05CA015 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper IFR procedure by his flight below the decision altitude, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr) - object - tree(s) - ifr procedure - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause) - decision height - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The reported ceilings were 200 feet overcast, and the pilot continued with the ILS Runway 34 approach. During the approach the airplane was "low and off centerline," the pilot initiated the missed approach procedure, and the airplane struck trees during the climb. The airplane continued to climb, and the pilot returned to his departure airport and completed a safe landing. The pilot reported that the airplane's handling and performance were "great," and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. When asked what led to the collision with trees, he responded, "Pilot error; I'm not blaming anyone but me." ## Factual narrative On November 18, 2004, at 0751 eastern standard time, a Socata TB-21-TC, N55510, was substantially damaged during collision with trees following a missed approach to Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), Binghamton, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), at 0720. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot explained that the purpose of the flight was to pick up two passengers in Binghamton, and transport them on an "Angel Flight" to Boston, Massachusetts. He further explained that at takeoff from Wilkes-Barre, the "predicted" ceiling at the Greater Binghamton Airport was 700 feet overcast. Upon arrival to the Binghamton area, the reported ceilings at BGM were 200 feet overcast, and the pilot continued with the ILS Runway 34 approach. During the approach the airplane was "low and off centerline," the pilot initiated the missed approach procedure, and the airplane struck trees during the climb. The airplane continued to climb, and the pilot returned to Wilkes-Barre and completed a safe landing. The pilot reported that the airplane's handling and performance were "great," and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. When asked what led to the collision with trees, he responded, "Pilot error; I'm not blaming anyone but me." At 0753, the weather reported at Greater Binghamton Airport included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet with 3/4 miles of visibility in mist. At 0723, the weather reported at BGM included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet with 1/2 mile visibility in fog. Weather observations for the 3 hours after the accident each showed an overcast ceiling at 200 feet. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N55510](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55510), registered now, S/N 1252 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SOCATA TB 21-TC - Registry model: [Socata TB21TC](https://openairdocs.org/model/socata-tb21tc) (registry code 8680699) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tio-540-series) (registry code 41569, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1252 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540-AB1AD reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Execdoc, LTD - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: AVP, WILKES-BARRE/SC, PA - Destination: BGM, Binghamton, NY - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: BGM, Binghamton Regional/Edwin A Li, runway 34 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; seat: left; flight hours: 1,307 total, 345 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day ## 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 20041118035559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041118035559A), Nov 18, 2004: Socata TB21, Binghamton, NY, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot departed wilkes-barre/scranton international airport (avp) on an instrument flight to Binghamton/greater Binghamton/Edwin a. Link field (bgm). On… ## Other investigations on N55510 (1) 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 MIA97LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA126), Mar 21, 1997: Socata TB-21C (N55510), Hollywood, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and the pilot allowing the aircraft to exceed its design stress limits. Weather associated with the thunderstorm was a related factor. 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.