Casualties unknown

1997-08-02: Beech C23 (N2146W) — Terlingua, TX

Terlingua, TX, US

On August 2, 1997, a Beech C23 (registration N2146W) was involved in an aviation accident near Terlingua, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command. A factor was the sudden wind shift. 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 that during approach to an airport, the airplane stalled after turning from base to final, then impacted a fence. The pilot observed a wind shift after the accident.

Approach and Stall

The pilot reported that he approached the airport midfield from the east, flew over the wind sock, and interpreted the wind direction as originating from the southeast. He then turned the airplane northbound and executed a downwind leg for runway 17.

As the airplane turned from the base leg to final approach, the pilot recognized that the airplane began to 'stall out.' He added full power after the stall began; however, the airplane continued to 'stall and pancake to the ground.' Subsequently, the airplane impacted a chain link fence.

Post-Accident Observations

The pilot reported that he observed the wind sock immediately after the accident, and the winds had changed, indicating winds originating from a northerly direction. He further stated that 5 minutes later he noticed that the winds were once again from the south.

Weather Conditions

The pilot reported the weather conditions as 'moderate turbulence' and 'a lot of updrafts and downdrafts that day.'

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08619. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.