Accident Overview
A privately owned airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck the Atlantic Ocean while on approach to landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal trip.
Flight Details
The flight departed Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE) in Cumberland, Maryland, and was operated under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed during the approach.
Events Leading to the Accident
According to the pilot, he was receiving radar vectors for the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 36 at MYR. After turning onto final approach and passing the outer marker, he encountered heavy turbulence. The pilot reported what he believed to be a microburst, causing the airplane to begin a rapid descent. He applied full power in an attempt to arrest the descent, but the airplane continued downward until it struck the ocean approximately 1 mile from the approach end of the runway.
Weather Conditions
At 1456, the recorded weather at MYR included broken clouds at 6,000 feet, few clouds at 3,500 feet, wind from 010° at 8 knots, temperature 14°C, dew point 9°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of mercury.
Wreckage Examination
A review of photographs taken by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector showed that the cockpit section had separated from the fuselage during the impact sequence. The airplane was retained for further examination.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was an encounter with low-level windshear and turbulence during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.