NYC99FA126

Radar data depicted an airplane flying a track similar to a right traffic pattern for the runway. While on a track consistent with a right base leg, the airplane entered a left turn. About the same time as the accident, witnesses reported seeing an airplane fly a right base leg for the runway. The airplane entered a steep left bank, followed by an abrupt descent angle, and collision with terrain. A review of recorded radio transmissions revealed the pilot of the accident airplane flew a right hand pattern for the runway. The pilot queried a pilot of another airplane of his intentions. At that time, the other airplane was ahead of the accident airplane, on a final approach leg. The accident airplane then entered the left turn. A radar study indicated that while in the left turn, the approximate airspeed of the accident airplane was approaching or below the stall speed for the make and model airplane.

History of flight

On May 30, 1999, at 1546 Eastern Daylight Time, a Beech D50C (Twin Bonanza), N401JD, was substantially damaged while maneuvering in the vicinity of Orange County Airport (MGJ), Montgomery, New York. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that originated from the Wurtsboro-Sullivan County Airport (N82), Wurtsboro, New York.

Witnesses at N82 saw the airplane depart about 1515. According to Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) data, a target, with a 1200 beacon code, departed N82 about 1515. The target proceeded in an easterly direction, approximately 30 miles, and then made a turn toward a westerly direction, approximately 10 miles southeast of Dutchess County Airport (POU), Poughkeepsie, New York. It then proceeded over POU at 1536, and continued west toward MGJ. At 1544, the target track was consistent with a right hand traffic pattern to Runway 21 at MGJ. While on a track consistent with a right base, at 1546, the target entered a left turn.

A witness stated that he observed an airplane travel over his property. It was "very low," and in a steep left bank, possibly 90 degrees or more. He then heard the sounds of engine revving. He could not determine if the sounds were a result of one, or both of the engines. The airplane then "nosed in." The witness further stated that he observed a white cloud rise from the accident site, and a strong odor of fuel was present in the vicinity of the wreckage.

Another witness, that was in his airplane on the ground at MGJ, stated:

"...I was # 1 for departure runway 21 at Orange County Airport, I observed 4 aircraft in the traffic pattern, 2 on downwind, and 2 on final. A piper seneca was short final with a C172 on approx. 1.5 mi final, my plan was to depart following the C172s landing. As I continued to scan the traffic pattern I spotted an aircraft which appeared to be on an easterly heading consistent with a right base left for runway 21. It was approx. 2mi north of the airport and appeared to be very low (just above tree line), as I watched the aircraft the right wing and nose dropped abruptly with the aircraft descending below the tree line. At first I tuned my radio to 121.5 and heard no ELT signal, I rationalized that perhaps someone was buzzing a house or something. I decided to takeoff and fly in that direction and have a look, I spotted smoke in the approx. vicinity and flew towards it, I determined it was someone burning brush. After about 5-10 minutes in the area I continued on my flight to Kobelt airport..."

Review of a tape cassette recording of radio transmissions on the MGJ common traffic advisory frequency revealed several transmissions from "Twin Bonanza" and "Skyhawk six five seven four two". The transmissions were:

"Orange County Twin Bonanza entering ah downwind on a forty five for a right base two one."

"Bonanza downwind for two right two one."

"Orange County Traffic Skyhawk six five seven four two turning base two one Orange County behind a twin Cessna. We're ah touch n go."

"Orange County traffic Skyhawk six five seven four two turning final 'bout two miles out on final two one Orange County touch n go."

"Orange County Twin Bonanza's turning ah right base ah for two one."

"Turning base for two one, you got the Cessna in sight?"

"You said you're on final"

"ok"

"Cessna on final at Orange County ah you ah full stop or touch n go?"

"touch n go."

"Okay ah thank you."

There were no more radio transmissions from "Twin Bonanza". The daughter of the pilot (N401JD) listened to the cassette tape and stated that her father made the "Twin Bonanza" radio transmissions. The pilot of N65742 listened to the cassette tape. He stated that he remembered talking to the Twin Bonanza, but never saw it. He was making sure that the Twin Bonanza had him in sight.

The accident occurred during the hours of daylight approximately 41 degrees, 34 minutes north latitude, and 74 degrees, 15 minutes west longitude.

Personnel information

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single engine land, multi engine land, and instrument airplane.

His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third class medical certificate was issued on March 24, 1998; with a limitation "Holder shall wear lenses that correct for distant vision and posses glasses that correct for near vision while exercising the privileges of his/her airman certificate." At that time, the pilot reported a total flight experience of 1,550 hours.

After a runway excursion, the pilot successfully completed a FAA reexamination on April 20, 1998.

The pilot's logbook was never recovered. His fiancee stated that she was never aware of a formal logbook. However, the pilot logged trips and flight experience in a small memo book. The memo book was not recovered.

Aircraft information

A review of the airplane's logbooks revealed that the airplane underwent an annual inspection on August 7, 1998. At that time; 4,778.9 hours was recorded as Hobbs time, 1,836.3 hours was recorded as total time for the right engine, and 1,325.9 hours was recorded as total time for the left engine. Additionally, both engines underwent a 50 hour inspection on April 25, 1999.

Wreckage and impact information

The wreckage was examined at the accident site on May 31 and June 1, 1999, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage was intact, oriented to a 315 degree heading, on top of shrubbery and a berm. The field elevation at the accident site was approximately 480 feet above sea level. There was no observed scars or damage to the trees located at the front and rear of the wreckage. Some of the shrubbery and grass in the vicinity of the wreckage was faded in color.

The right wing sustained impact damage to the leading edge at the wing root. However, there was minor impact damage to the remainder of the leading edge. There was significant impact damage to the underside of the right wing. The aileron was found in the approximate neutral position, and exhibited buckling. The outboard flap was observed in the retracted position, and the inboard flap appeared partially extended. However, the inboard flap was separated from the actuator arm. Photographs from a local police officer confirm that the inboard flap was retracted prior to disturbance by emergency personnel. Flight control continuity was established from the wing tip to the wing root.

The empennage was displaced upward, approximately 75 degrees, and slightly cantered to the left. Flight control continuity was established from the elevator and rudder to the forward section of the empennage. Additionally, rudder and elevator trim continuity was established.

The left wing sustained minor impact damage to the leading edge. There was significant impact damage to the underside of the wing. A ground scar similar in shape to a wing, was observed in the vicinity of the left wing. The aileron exhibited slight buckling. The outboard flap was retracted. The inboard flap appeared partially extended, but it had separated from the actuator arm. The aileron trim was displaced upward, and the actuator arm was broken. Flight control continuity was established from the wing tip to the wing fitting.

The landing gear was extended. All four fuel tanks were ruptured. In the left fuel system, fuel was found in the strainer, pump, and selector valve. The left fuel selector handle was found between the "OFF" and "CROSSFEED" position, and the valve was found in the "OFF" position. In the right fuel system, fuel was found in the pump. The right fuel selector handle was found between the "MAIN" and "AUX" position, and the valve was found in the "AUX" position. Blades from both propellers exhibited chord