AVweb’s General Aviation Accident Bulletin is taken from the pages of our sister publication, Aviation Safety magazine. All the reports listed here are preliminary and include only initial factual findings about crashes. You can learn more about the final probable cause on the NTSB’s website at www.ntsb.gov. Final reports appear about a year after the accident, although some take longer. Find out more about Aviation Safety at www.aviationsafetymagazine.com.
May 1, 2023, Batesville, Miss.
Cessna 182D Skylane
At about 1345 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway while landing. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
Nearing the destination, the pilot was experiencing moderate to heavy chop. The first approach was too high, so he conducted a normal go-around and re-entered the pattern. The second approach resulted in a bounced landing as a “significant wind gust” pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot attempted to add full power, but none developed. The airplane landed in grass and impacted a drainage ditch.
May 1, 2023, Big Bear City, Calif.
Beech A36 Bonanza
The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1402 Pacific time when it impacted terrain short of the intended runway. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. According to a witness, the flight was part of a pre-buy inspection for one of the passengers. Visual conditions prevailed.
According to ADS-B data, the airplane’s groundspeed on the final leg of the airport traffic pattern was 65 knots. Observed surface winds were from 220 degrees at six knots, gusting to 19. The airplane’s published stall airspeed is 62 knots.
May 2, 2023, Udall, Kan.
Zenith STOL CH750
At about 2013 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage during an engine-out forced landing attempt. The pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
While en route, the engine “stumbled” and then lost power. During the landing attempt, the airplane struck a powerline, damaging the vertical stabilizer. Engine power was restored, and the pilot continued for an uneventful landing.
May 3, 2023, Laurel, Mon.
Cessna P337H Pressurized Skymaster
The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0815 Mountain time during an engine-inoperative landing. The pilot was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
According to the pilot, this was his first flight in the airplane since he purchased it last year. While cruising at 11,500 feet MSL, he descended to 9,500 feet to remain VFR. In the climb back to 11,500 feet, he noticed a rear-engine oil pressure drop and spike in oil temperature. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport. About ¼ mile from the divert runway, the airplane stalled at about 10 feet AGL and impacted a drainage ditch.
May 3, 2023, Coldspring, Texas
Piper PA-34-200 Seneca
At about 1329 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged during an emergency landing following stabilator system failure. The pilot examiner and applicant pilot sustained serious injuries at the conclusion of the pilot certification flight.
According to the pilot examiner, he felt a “pop” and the airplane pitched up about 50 degrees. He took control and reduced power, which reduced the pitch oscillations. Unable to maintain full control of the airplane, he executed an emergency off-airport landing, shutting down both engines on short final. After touching down, the airplane slid through a rough, muddy field. Postaccident examination revealed that the bolt connecting the stabilator trim rod assembly to the stabilator link assembly was missing.
This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of Aviation Safety magazine.
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