On November 23, 1998, a Beech BE-55 (registration N5638S) was involved in an aviation accident near Crystal, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference due to glare from the low sun, which resulted in loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced temporary blindness from the low sun while on final approach, leading to an uncontrolled descent into trees and a crash in a drainage ditch.
What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after turning final, he became completely blinded by the low setting sun. He unknowingly lost altitude that put him below the tree tops. This resulted in complete loss of control. The airplane contacted several trees and crashed coming to rest in a drainage ditch.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was temporary blindness caused by direct sunlight during the final approach phase. This visual impairment led to an uncontrolled descent below safe altitude, resulting in impact with trees and subsequent crash landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference due to glare from the low sun, which resulted in loss of control.
What happened in the 23 Nov 1998 Beech BE-55 accident near Crystal, MN?
A pilot experienced temporary blindness from the low sun while on final approach, leading to an uncontrolled descent into trees and a crash in a drainage ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Nov 1998 involved a Beech BE-55, registration N5638S, at Crystal, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference due to glare from the low sun, which resulted in loss of control.
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