On May 9, 1987, a Beech A23 (registration N3543R) operated by Benjamin Roush, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenswood, WV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a promotional flight, an aircraft on final approach struck trees and impacted ground short of the runway, nosing over. Investigation found no mechanical issues but revealed the aircraft was overweight.
Incident Overview
A pilot providing free promotional rides for a flight school was on the fourth flight of the day when the accident occurred. On final approach, the aircraft was in a nose-high attitude when the left wing struck small trees. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 250 feet short of the runway and nosed over.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. However, weight and balance computations indicated that the aircraft was over its maximum gross weight at the time of the accident.
Additional Details
The pilot was offering complimentary flights to promote the flight school. The specific aircraft type, registration, and location were not disclosed in the report. No information regarding injuries or damage to the aircraft was provided.