Casualties unknown

1996-12-06: Beech B55 (N17732) — Park Rapids, MN

Park Rapids, MN, US

On December 6, 1996, a Beech B55 (registration N17732) was involved in an aviation accident near Park Rapids, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's high flare. Factors were the icing weather condition and the airframe ice. 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 reported ice, airspeed decay, buffet, and yaw during a localizer approach. After initiating a go-around, the airplane became uncontrollable and came to rest in a snow bank. Post-accident inspection revealed rime ice on wing and stabilizer leading edges.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot's written statement, she observed slight trace ice while in clouds. She conducted a localizer approach. On short final, the airspeed was noted to be approximately 5 knots below the blue line reference. She then experienced buffet, yaw, and flutter, prompting her to add power. The airplane responded by yawing to the right as power was increased. She executed a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane began bucking and yawing uncontrollably. The pilot responded by lowering the pitch attitude, raising the landing gear, and attempting to retract the flaps. Subsequently, the airplane settled in a snow bank on the south side of the runway.

Passenger Report

The pilot-rated passenger reported that the pilot flared high and overcorrected. He stated that the airplane rocked violently, up to 60 degrees of bank.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Photographs taken after the accident showed a ridge of approximately 1/8 inch of rime ice on the upper portion of the wing and stabilizer leading edges.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07142. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.