Casualties unknown

2002-03-01: Beech A36 (N7236L) — Austin, TX

Austin, TX, US

On March 1, 2002, a Beech A36 (registration N7236L) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in a stall. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, fog, and the unforecast weather conditions.. 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

An instrument-rated private pilot, after being briefed on weather, executed an ILS approach to IFR conditions below minima, declared a missed approach, but failed to respond to final ATC instructions. The aircraft stalled, crashed, and caught fire. Toxicology showed diphenhydramine.

Weather Briefing and Approach

The instrument-rated private pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing from a flight service station. The briefing included information about light turbulence and a forecast of marginal VFR conditions that were expected to become VFR at the destination airport near the estimated time of arrival.

After departure, the flight proceeded to the destination airport. Prior to beginning an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, the pilot was informed of IFR weather conditions at the airport, specifically a ceiling and visibility below the minimum prescribed altitudes for the approach.

Missed Approach and Communications

The pilot executed a stable ILS approach to the runway. According to radar data, the pilot declared a missed approach at the decision height. The pilot was issued missed approach instructions by air traffic control on three separate occasions. The pilot acknowledged the first two sets of instructions but did not respond to the final instruction to switch communication frequencies.

Accident Site and Aircraft Examination

The airplane was subsequently located on the airport property. Witness marks at the accident site and the airplane's crush angles were consistent with the airplane stalling prior to impacting the ground. Following the impact, a fire erupted.

Examination of the airframe and engine, as well as their logbooks, did not reveal any pre-existing anomalies that could have contributed to the accident. Additionally, toxicological test results for the pilot revealed unquantified levels of diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine.

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020305X00304. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.