On March 9, 1986, a Smith, Ted Aerostar 601P AEROSTAR (registration N35DM) was involved in an aviation accident near Dickinson, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While en route on an IFR flight plan, the pilot changed destination without adequate fuel reserves or an alternate airport. After an instrument approach in IMC, a go-around was executed. During alignment for landing, the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground. The aircraft exceeded maximum gross takeoff weight and forward CG limits.
Flight Details
While en route on an IFR flight plan, the pilot changed the destination to Dickinson, ND, which extended the flight length. The pilot did not designate an alternate airport nor have an adequate fuel reserve as required.
Accident Sequence
Upon arrival at the destination, the pilot executed an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). After descending below the clouds, the aircraft was not in position to make a normal landing. The pilot initiated a go-around and attempted to fly a visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern. While attempting to align the aircraft for landing, the pilot allowed the aircraft to stall. The aircraft descended and impacted the ground. It then traveled across the airport intersecting runways and came to rest in an upright position.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft exceeded the maximum gross weight takeoff limits on departure and the forward center of gravity (CG) limit at the time of the accident.