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Pilot Strikes Tower While En Route to Starr County Airport (N1552D)

Rio Grande City, TX, US

On January 2, 1997, a Beech C90A (registration N1552D) operated by Raytheon Aircraft Services was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Grande City, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the tower. Factors were the low ceilings and the pilot's diverted attention to his navigation. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot struck a tower with the left engine propeller and right wing while navigating along a highway, then diverted to another airport for an uneventful landing.

Incident Details

While en route to the Starr County Airport near Rio Grande City, the pilot was navigating south along a road for approximately 25 nautical miles. At an estimated altitude of 1,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL), the left engine propeller impacted guide wires, and the outer portion of the right wing struck a tower. According to the Brownsville sectional chart, the tower, located on the west side of the road, has a height of 1,002 feet MSL (519 feet above ground level).

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he had checked his map to track his position along Highway 755. When he looked up, the tower was directly in front of the aircraft, and it was too late to take evasive action.

Aftermath

Following the collision with the tower, the pilot aborted the approach to Starr County Airport and proceeded to the McCallen Miller International Airport. After manually extending the landing gear, an uneventful landing was made.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 1997 Beech C90A accident near Rio Grande City, TX?

A pilot struck a tower with the left engine propeller and right wing while navigating along a highway, then diverted to another airport for an uneventful landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jan 1997 Beech C90A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 1997 involved a Beech C90A, registration N1552D, operated by Raytheon Aircraft Services, at Rio Grande City, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the tower. Factors were the low ceilings and the pilot's diverted attention to his navigation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07281. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.