On February 28, 1993, a Cessna 340A (registration N88KH) operated by Huddleston, Kenneth R. was involved in an aviation accident near Center Point, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot established a very steep angle of bank during the turn from base to final, leading to a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft impacted the ground in an inverted, nose-low attitude following a steep bank during a circling maneuver near the airport.
What happened
The pilot was cleared for an instrument approach to the airport. After becoming clear of the clouds, the aircraft was observed circling at a low altitude on a closed left downwind for Runway 30.
Witnesses reported that during the turn from base to final, the pilot established a very steep angle of bank while engine power was heard increasing. This resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane impacted the ground in an inverted, nose-low attitude. A post-impact fire consumed the aircraft.
At the time of the accident, the weather at the airport consisted of 900 overcast with 2 miles visibility in fog and haze, accompanied by a light mist. Official sunset had occurred one minute prior to the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot established a very steep angle of bank during the turn from base to final, leading to a loss of control.