On October 10, 2006, a Beech A-36 (registration N1801V) was involved in an aviation accident near Great Bend, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control while changing radio frequencies and abruptly applying control forces in excess of the design limits of the airframe. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While cruising at 7,000 feet, a pilot entered a GPS waypoint and experienced an unusual attitude. After regaining control, he requested ATC assistance. The aircraft diverted to a nearby airport with visual conditions, landing safely. Post-flight inspection revealed wing spar bending.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that he was in level cruise flight at 7,000 feet. Approximately 30 miles from his destination, he entered the localizer frequency into his GPS. According to the pilot, the airplane then entered an unusual attitude. After regaining control, the pilot noted that the horizontal situation indicator (HSI) was inaccurate. He navigated to GBD with assistance from air traffic control (ATC).
ATC Response
ATC reported that the pilot stated he was in instrument conditions and had become disoriented. The pilot advised that he was having a lot of trouble and "needed to control the aircraft." He then requested vector or navigational assistance. The controller treated the situation as an emergency and provided vectors to a nearby airport where visual weather conditions prevailed. The pilot was cleared for a visual approach at that airport. The airplane landed without further incident.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed upward bending of the wing spars on both wings. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were found during an examination of the airplane's systems.