Accident Overview
On September 9, 2012, at 1152 central daylight time, a Beech A36, registration N3224G, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain near Kansasville, Wisconsin. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Flight History
The flight departed Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK), Wheeling, Illinois, at 1136, with an intended destination of Lakeland Airport (KARV), Minocqua, Wisconsin. At 0857, the pilot obtained a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan via the Badger (BAE) VOR. After takeoff at 1137, the pilot contacted Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control. Radar data showed the airplane climbing and maintaining assigned altitudes as it proceeded north-northwest. At 1146, control transferred to Milwaukee TRACON, and at 1148, the flight was cleared direct to KARV. Radar contact was lost at 1152. The pilot did not report any anomalies, and no distress call was received. Radar data indicated the airplane began a descent at 1152:15, with the last data point at 1152:34 at 3,500 feet msl. Witnesses observed the airplane in a steep nose-down attitude before impact.
Aircraft Information
The accident airplane was a 1995 Beech model A36, serial number E-2924, a single-engine, low-wing, retractable tricycle gear aircraft certified for six occupants. It was powered by a 300-horsepower Continental Motors IO-550-B/BP reciprocating engine, which had been modified from an IO-520-BB in 2005. The most recent annual inspection was completed on February 7, 2012, at 2,712.0 total airframe hours. An engine oil change and oxygen system service were performed on July 25, 2012.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at Burlington Municipal Airport (KBUU), about 7 miles west, at 1135 reported wind from 360 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 17°C, dew point 8°C, and altimeter 30.09 inches of mercury. At 1155, conditions were similar with a temperature of 18°C. Weather at Kenosha Regional Airport (KENW), about 12 miles southeast, at 1153 was wind from 010 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 16 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, and altimeter 30.08 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact
The main accident site was approximately 50 feet in diameter across four backyard areas. A postimpact fire consumed portions of the airframe, an adjacent two-car garage, and a shed; nearby residences sustained thermal damage. Debris was scattered up to 200 feet from the impact point. The engine and propeller were embedded about 4 feet into the ground. The fuselage was fragmented, and wings exhibited chordwise crushing damage. Control cable separations were consistent with overstress. The landing gear was fragmented, and the flap actuators indicated a zero-degree deflection (flaps up). The propeller hub was fractured, with blades separated and showing impact damage. No injuries to individuals on the ground were reported.