What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-09-30 involved a Beech A36, registration N836AA, at Brady, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper decision to attempt a night landing without the visual cues necessary to establish runway alignment. Factors were the dark night light condition, the inoperative runway edge lights, and the failure of airport management to issue a NOTAM that the airport was closed to night operations.

Collision with NDB Antenna During Night Approach to Closed Airport (N836AA)

On September 30, 1995, a Beech A36 (registration N836AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Brady, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper decision to attempt a night landing without the visual cues necessary to establish runway alignment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a dark night visual approach, an airplane struck a 50-foot tall NDB antenna at an airport closed for night operations. The pilot had been told no NOTAMs. Toxicology detected doxylamine and other drugs.

Incident Summary

On a dark night, an airplane conducting a visual approach to an airport collided with a 50-foot tall pole. The pole was part of the antenna for a nondirectional radio beacon (NDB). The airport was unlighted at the time of the event.

Airport Status

An FAA aeronautical study for the installation of the NDB determined that the antenna was not a hazard to air navigation and did not require obstruction lighting. On the night of September 29, airport personnel reported that the runway lights and rotating beacon had been turned off to close the airport to night operations. However, no Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was filed regarding the closure.

Pilot Actions

Prior to initiating the flight, the pilot received a weather briefing during which he specifically requested NOTAMs on the airport. The briefer informed him that none were on file. Witnesses observed the airplane circle the airport two or three times before entering a descent that appeared to be for landing.

Toxicology

Toxicological testing detected doxylamine (known as Unisom) in the pilot's urine. Doxylamine is not approved for use while flying. Additionally, dextromethorphan (an expectorant), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), and phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant) were detected in the pilot's blood and urine.

1995-09-30: Beech A36 (N836AA) — Brady, TX