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Loss of Control During Approach Results in Short Landing and Wing Damage (N200EJ)

Poplar, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 18, 2023, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (registration N200EJ) operated by Edwards Jet Center was involved in an aviation accident near Poplar, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in an impact with terrain short of the runway threshold. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing approach, the airplane began losing altitude rapidly. Despite a co-pilot's advice to add power, the descent continued, resulting in impact with terrain short of the runway, causing substantial damage to the right wing. No preaccident mechanical failures were reported.

Event Details

According to the pilot's report, the airplane started to lose altitude quickly while on approach for landing. The co-pilot observed a high descent rate and slow airspeed and advised the pilot to add power. However, the airplane continued to descend and subsequently impacted terrain in a right wing and nose low attitude, approximately 30 yards short of the runway approach threshold.

Damage and Findings

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The official probable cause identified the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and descent rate during the landing approach, which led to the impact with terrain short of the runway threshold.

Loss of control in flight

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