What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-01-25 involved a Beech 33-A, registration N55VS, at Lago Vista, TX.

Circling VOR/DME Approach Results in Runway Excursion (N55VS)

On January 25, 1995, a Beech 33-A (registration N55VS) was involved in an aviation accident near Lago Vista, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXECUTE A MISSED APPROACH AT MINIMUMS FOR THE NON-PRECISION APPROACH AND AN EXCESSIVE RATE OF DESCENT DURING THE CIRCLE TO LAND MANEUVER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Pilot lost visual reference until 600 ft AGL, executed a tight descending turn, then aircraft dropped and right wing struck runway, skidding off in fog and drizzle.

Approach and Visual Reference

During a circling VOR/DME approach, the pilot reported losing visual contact with the airport until the airplane was nearly above the runway at 600 feet above ground level (AGL). At that point, the pilot initiated a descending, tight right turn to maintain sight of the runway.

Maneuvers and Loss of Control

Descending below 300 feet, the pilot continued a steep turn on a 45-degree bearing relative to the runway to intercept the final approach path. As the pilot began to level the wings for landing, the aircraft suddenly descended. The right wing impacted the runway surface, and the airplane skidded off the side of the runway.

Weather Conditions

The pilot reported weather conditions of fog and drizzle during the approach.

Missed Approach Point

The published missed approach point for the VOR/DME approach was located 5 miles from the final approach fix and 0.7 miles northwest of the runway midpoint.

1995-01-25: Beech 33-A (N55VS) — Lago Vista, TX