Casualties unknown

1994-12-26: Beech 95-C55 (N546V) — Arcadia, FL

Arcadia, FL, US

On December 26, 1994, a Beech 95-C55 (registration N546V) was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: POOR IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT FOR ELECTING TO LAND WITH FOG ON THE AIRSTRIP. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBTAIN A FORMAL PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING AND HIS FAILURE TO FULLY APPLY THE BRAKES (NORMAL) AFTER LANDING. 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

A pilot obtained a weather briefing only from the TV Weather Channel before departure, which did not mention fog. After landing with flaps fully extended, he encountered fog and did not fully apply brakes. During a go-around, he did not retract the flaps, and the airplane struck a gate and trees before hitting the ground.

Sequence of Events

The pilot obtained a weather briefing exclusively from the TV Weather Channel before departure. Fog was not mentioned in that briefing, and the pilot did not seek any additional weather information.

Upon arriving at the destination airstrip, the pilot circled the area several times until light conditions improved. He then proceeded to land with the flaps fully extended. While landing, the airplane encountered fog. The pilot did not fully apply the normal brakes to stop the airplane.

Realizing there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, the pilot applied throttle to initiate a go-around. However, he did not retract the flaps. The airplane became airborne but subsequently collided with a gate, then trees, and finally the ground.

Weather Briefing

The pilot's preflight weather planning consisted solely of viewing the TV Weather Channel. No other sources were consulted, and the forecast did not include fog at the destination.

Landing and Go-Around

After the delayed landing due to poor light, the pilot touched down with flaps fully extended. Fog reduced visibility during the landing roll, and braking was not maximized. The go-around was performed without raising the flaps, which likely degraded climb performance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02777. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.