Casualties unknown

1983-11-18: Beech B23 (N7605R) — West Dover, VT

West Dover, VT, US

On November 18, 1983, a Beech B23 (registration N7605R) was involved in an aviation accident near West Dover, VT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During descent, the pilot reported severe turbulence and encountered wind shear, causing the aircraft to pancake onto ground 35 ft short of runway, resulting in gear collapse and wing damage.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that during descent, below 4,000 ft, severe turbulence was encountered. The destination wind was from the northwest, but the pilot could not recall the wind velocity. During arrival, the final approach to runway 01 was flown at 80 mph while still in severe turbulence. The pilot used right rudder, left aileron, and full flaps during the approach.

According to the pilot, when the aircraft was about 200 ft from the runway at an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 ft, it entered a level descent and 'pancaked' to the ground 'from apparent wind shear.' The aircraft contacted the ground approximately 35 ft short of the runway, skidded over the threshold, and came to rest about 100 ft down the runway.

Damage

The landing gear was destroyed. Damage also included the wing spars, wing skin, horizontal stabilizer, and propeller.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45191. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.