On July 20, 1996, a Beech 58P (registration N6461U) was involved in an aviation accident near Banner Elk, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach to land, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway for the landing, which resulted in an overrun and collision with a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed long on runway 12 at Banner Elk Airport, applied heavy braking causing a blown tire, then the airplane departed the runway end, went down an embankment, and struck a tree.
Incident Overview
A pilot landed an airplane at Banner Elk Airport, touching down approximately 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the 4,600-foot-long runway 12. According to the pilot, runway 12 was the preferred runway for landings due to the high terrain features surrounding the airport.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the airplane continued rolling toward the departure end of the runway. The pilot applied heavy braking, which resulted in a blown main landing gear tire. The airplane then rolled off the departure end of the runway, down an embankment, and collided with a tree.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the incident.