Night Instrument Approach Accident Near Runway

Casualties unknown • Beaumont, TX, US

A flight instructor cancelled instrument flight rules clearance after sighting the runway, but the aircraft subsequently struck a static wire and impacted terrain.

What happened

During a night instrument approach, a flight instructor with 13,350 hours of flight time reported that the runway was in sight and proceeded to cancel instrument flight rules clearance. Following this cancellation, the aircraft struck a shielded static wire located above high voltage transmission lines, which were approximately 52-63 feet in height. The aircraft then impacted the terrain and came to rest approximately 0.6 nautical miles north of the runway.

At the time of the event, Air Route Traffic Control had previously reported weather conditions at another airport, located roughly 13 miles away, consisting of 100-foot overcast ceilings and one mile of visibility.

The investigation

The investigation into the accident found no mechanical anomalies regarding the airplane or the engine.

Probable cause

The pilot cancelled instrument flight rules clearance after sighting the runway, but subsequently struck a shielded static wire above high voltage transmission lines before impacting the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-03 Piper PA-32R-301 accident near Beaumont, TX?

A flight instructor cancelled instrument flight rules clearance after sighting the runway, but the aircraft subsequently struck a static wire and impacted terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-03 involved a Piper PA-32R-301, registration N396HP, operated by Rodney Dean Anderson, at Beaumont, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot cancelled instrument flight rules clearance after sighting the runway, but subsequently struck a shielded static wire above high voltage transmission lines before impacting the terrain.

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