On June 2, 2003, a Beech 58P (registration N60BR) was involved in an aviation accident near Gatlinburg, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance to the runway during final approach, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of an airplane reported low altitude on approach to runway 28 at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport; the nose gear struck a hill 120 feet short of the runway. The aircraft slid down the hill and came to rest on the runway about 30 feet beyond the approach end. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported.
Accident Description
During the approach to land on runway 28 at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, the pilot's altitude was low. The pilot stated that he did not realize there was a hill at the approach end of the runway. The nose gear of the airplane collided with the hill approximately 120 feet short of the runway. After the collision, the airplane slid down the hill and came to rest on the runway, roughly 30 feet beyond the approach end.
Airport Information
Review of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport's information for runway 28 indicates a displaced threshold of 339 feet. Additionally, it notes a steep rise in ground of 50 feet from the threshold to the east end of the pavement.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no mechanical or flight control malfunctions prior to the accident.