# NTSB NYC85LA023: Beech BE-55E, N62561, Groton, CT, November 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 5, 1984, 08:50 local (13:50 UTC)
- Place: Groton, CT
- Location: 41.3183° N, 72.0565° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs from NTSB’s distance and direction from GROTON-NEW LONDON (GON), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3183&lon=-72.0565&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35644
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35644/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA023

## 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)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition warning - issued, atc personnel(lcl/gnd/clnc)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - bird(s) (cause)

## Analysis

AS THE ACFT BROKE OUT OF THE 300 OVERCAST LAYER THE PLT SAW BIRDS FLYING OFF OF THE RWY THRESHOLD. DUE TO IFR CONDITIONS AND LOW ALTITUDE THE PLT ELECTED NOT TO GO AROUND. THE TOWER ADVISED THE PLT OF THE BIRDS ON 2 MILE FINAL ON THE ILS APCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N62561 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH BE-55E
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TE1198
- Airframe hours: 120
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-6B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Piping Specialties, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FRG, FARMINGDALE, NY
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: GON, Groton, runway 5, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,033 total, 451 in this make and model, 3,033 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 15 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast

## 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 19841105075259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841105075259A), Nov 5, 1984: Beech E55, Groton, CT, Substantial damage. Warned by tower of bird activity at threshold. Broke out of clouds, hit birds. Damaged wing, flap, engine nacelle.

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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