On July 23, 2006, a Beech BE23 (registration N2326Z) operated by Ray D. Watson was involved in an aviation accident near Bowie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees. Contributing factors were the prevailing crosswind and improper supervision of the flight by the flight instructor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around in an instructional flight, the airplane veered left after touchdown, the student applied full power and pulled back, lifting off and impacting trees beside the runway.
Accident Details
A single-engine airplane collided with trees during a go-around maneuver while conducting an instructional flight. The training flight was operating in the closed traffic pattern for Runway 35, which measures 3,603 feet in length and 60 feet in width. According to the flight instructor, the airplane touched down on the runway and began to veer off into the grass on the left side of the runway. The instructor advised the student to "add some power and turn back onto the runway." However, the student responded by applying full power while simultaneously pulling back on the yoke. The airplane lifted off the ground and impacted trees located on the left side of the runway.
Flight Conditions
The flight instructor reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 050 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude at 3,311 feet.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Jul 2006 Beech BE23 accident near Bowie, TX?
During a go-around in an instructional flight, the airplane veered left after touchdown, the student applied full power and pulled back, lifting off and impacting trees beside the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 2006 involved a Beech BE23, registration N2326Z, operated by Ray D. Watson, at Bowie, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees. Contributing factors were the prevailing crosswind and improper supervision of the flight by the flight instructor.
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