Casualties unknown

1990-05-08: Beech B-55 (N113EW) — Watkins, CO

Watkins, CO, US

On May 8, 1990, a Beech B-55 (registration N113EW) was involved in an aviation accident near Watkins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: EXECUTING OF A SIMULATED SINGLE ENGINE APPROACH IN WIND CONDITIONS THAT EXCEEDED THE DEMONSTRATED CROSSWIND CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPLANE WITH BOTH ENGINES OPERATING. 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 a multiengine instruction flight, a simulated right engine-out ILS approach encountered crosswinds exceeding the aircraft's demonstrated limitation, leading to a go-around attempt with both engines that could not maintain directional or altitude control.

Flight Purpose

The flight was conducted for multiengine instruction. The student pilot was executing a simulated right engine-out instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 26.

Wind Conditions

The wind was reported as from 360 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts to 24 knots. This resulted in a right crosswind component for the approach.

Approach and Control Inputs

During the approach, the student and instructor attempted to correct for the crosswind using full left aileron and rudder deflection. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to drift off the centerline as it crossed the middle marker.

Go-Around Attempt

A go-around was initiated with full power applied to both engines. However, airspeed decayed and the pilots were unable to maintain directional control or altitude control.

Aircraft Limitations

The Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the Beech 55 states that the demonstrated crosswind limitation with both engines operating is 22 knots. The reported wind included gusts up to 24 knots, exceeding that limitation.

Summary

The aircraft drifted off the approach centerline despite full control deflection, and the subsequent go-around with both engines failed to maintain control or airspeed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23129. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.