On November 7, 2005, a Beech BE-76 (registration N3873X) was involved in an aviation accident near Greer, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance which resulted in an undershoot of the runway, and the collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot completing an instrument cross-country flight collided with trees on a 1/4 mile final approach to a private airstrip. The airplane came to rest inverted in a wooded area; no mechanical deficiencies were reported.
Accident Sequence
The accident transpired during the latter portion of an instrument cross-country flight. After the pilot canceled the instrument clearance upon reaching the destination airport, a visual approach to a private airstrip was commenced. As the airplane proceeded along the final approach segment, which was approximately one-quarter mile in distance from the intended landing point, it made contact with trees, resulting in the airplane falling to the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Subsequent to the accident, an inspection of the airplane was performed. The wreckage was discovered in a wooded area, with the airplane positioned nose-down and inverted. The leading edges of both the left and right wings exhibited crush damage. During the approach to land, the pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane.