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Casualties unknown

Night Landing Accident: Pilot Retrieves Dropped Flashlight Before Impact (N9722Q)

Dahlonega, GA, US

On March 26, 1994, a Beech C23 (registration N9722Q) operated by Bowles, Alfred E. Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Dahlonega, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The poor in-flight decision by the pilot to divert his attention from the runway on short final in order to retrieve a flashlight. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a night landing dropped his flashlight on short final, bent to retrieve it, and struck the runway. He left the scene without reporting. Empty beer cans were found in the cockpit.

Accident Details

A pilot was attempting a night landing under visual meteorological conditions. During the short final approach, he dropped his flashlight. He bent down to pick it up, and when he looked up, the aircraft struck the runway and bounced. The aircraft collided with terrain 40 feet short of the approach end of the runway.

Post-Accident Actions

After the accident, the pilot left the scene and returned to his home in Maryland without reporting the accident to authorities.

Investigation Findings

During the investigation, multiple empty beer cans were found in the cockpit area of the aircraft. Additionally, one full can of beer was discovered in the pilot's luggage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Mar 1994 Beech C23 accident near Dahlonega, GA?

A pilot attempting a night landing dropped his flashlight on short final, bent to retrieve it, and struck the runway. He left the scene without reporting. Empty beer cans were found in the cockpit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Mar 1994 involved a Beech C23, registration N9722Q, operated by Bowles, Alfred E. Jr., at Dahlonega, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The poor in-flight decision by the pilot to divert his attention from the runway on short final in order to retrieve a flashlight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00847. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.