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Casualties unknown

Night Cross-Country Flight Ends with Go-Around and Impact Short of Runway (N2179L)

Del Rio, TX, US

On April 24, 1998, a Beech F33A (registration N2179L) was involved in an aviation accident near Del Rio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's loss of control during a go-around after impacting approach light poles on initial approach. A contributing factor was the prevailing dark night light condition. 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 non-instrument rated private pilot on a dark night cross-country flight attempted a go-around on runway 13 after landing short. The airplane struck approach lights and crashed nose-low, followed by fire.

Overview

A non-instrument rated private pilot completed a 1.3-hour dark night cross-country flight. The airplane was observed by two witnesses attempting to execute an apparent go-around on runway 13, which has a length of 5,100 feet. The witnesses saw the aircraft make a right turn near midfield, after which the nose of the airplane dropped towards the ground. Evidence at the accident site showed that the airplane impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude, and a post-impact fire ensued.

Witness Reports

Two witnesses provided accounts of the event. They reported that the airplane was attempting a go-around on runway 13. They observed a right turn near the middle of the runway, and then the nose of the airplane dropped toward the ground.

Physical Evidence

Site examination revealed ground scars from the main landing gear tires located 1,266 feet short of the landing threshold for runway 13. Additionally, five light poles were found knocked down short of the landing threshold. This physical evidence indicates that the airplane had landed short of runway 13, impacted the approach lighting system, executed a go-around, and subsequently impacted the ground.

Examination

Flight control continuity was established. No anomalies were found with the airframe or engine during examination.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1998 Beech F33A accident near Del Rio, TX?

A non-instrument rated private pilot on a dark night cross-country flight attempted a go-around on runway 13 after landing short. The airplane struck approach lights and crashed nose-low, followed by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1998 involved a Beech F33A, registration N2179L, at Del Rio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's loss of control during a go-around after impacting approach light poles on initial approach. A contributing factor was the prevailing dark night light condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09847. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.