On June 29, 1996, a Beech B35 (registration N5136C) was involved in an aviation accident near Kissimmee, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot was operating the airplane at an indicated airspeed that exceeded the design speed for maximum gust intensity (VB), when clear air turbulence was encountered. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During descent at 170 mph, a flight encountered moderate to severe clear air turbulence. Post-landing inspection revealed cracks and damage to stabilators and ruddervators. The airspeed exceeded the caution range threshold of 164 mph.
Incident Details
According to the pilot, while descending at an indicated airspeed of 170 miles per hour (mph), the flight encountered moderate to severe clear air turbulence. The pilot then felt a momentary vibration through the airframe and reduced power. The flight continued toward the planned destination and made an uneventful landing.
Post-Landing Inspection
Following the landing, inspection of the airframe revealed that the rear bulkhead was cracked and that both stabilators and both ruddervators were damaged. The ruddervators were removed and were found to be within prescribed limits for static balance checks.
Airspeed Reference
The flight manual for the airplane indicated that the beginning of the caution range (VB) was 164 mph. The airspeed at the time of the turbulence encounter was 170 mph, which exceeds this caution range threshold.
What happened in the 29 Jun 1996 Beech B35 accident near Kissimmee, FL?
During descent at 170 mph, a flight encountered moderate to severe clear air turbulence. Post-landing inspection revealed cracks and damage to stabilators and ruddervators. The airspeed exceeded the caution range threshold of 164 mph.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 1996 Beech B35 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jun 1996 involved a Beech B35, registration N5136C, at Kissimmee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot was operating the airplane at an indicated airspeed that exceeded the design speed for maximum gust intensity (VB), when clear air turbulence was encountered.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…