Accident Overview
On October 28, 2018, about 1210 central daylight time, a Beech V35, registration N5624S, was substantially damaged when it struck trees while maneuvering at low altitude near Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (MBT) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The private pilot on board was seriously injured. The airplane was privately owned and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which originated from Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) in Sevierville, Tennessee, around 1000.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that while in the airport traffic pattern at MBT, he attempted to extend the landing gear but noticed the green cockpit indicator was not illuminated. He then manually extended the landing gear and requested that ground personnel visually confirm its status. During a low pass over runway 18, the pilot was informed that the gear were not extended, whereupon he attempted a go-around. He stated that a very strong wind "sucked down" the airplane into trees. Aside from a possible electrical issue, the pilot reported no other preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine.
Witness Account
A witness at the airport terminal heard the pilot announce on the common traffic advisory frequency that the airplane was experiencing "amperage" issues and that he might perform a landing without radios. The pilot then asked if the witness could visually confirm the landing gear position. The witness agreed, took a handheld radio to a taxiway, and observed the low pass over runway 18. He reported to the pilot that the landing gear were only partially extended. The airplane then proceeded beyond the departure end of the runway, lost altitude, appeared to stall, and descended into trees.
Wreckage Examination
An examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector noted that the alternator switch was found in the off position.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at MBT at 1215 included wind from 210° at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots, and clear skies.