VFR into IMC · NTSB CEN12FA196
BEECH 35 — Glencoe, MN
| Date | March 21, 2012 |
| Location | Glencoe, MN |
| Aircraft | BEECH 35 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute VFR encounter with IMC |
| Pilot age | 52 |
| Pilot total time | 250 hrs · Low time |
| Time in type | 24 hrs |
| Fatalities | 3 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Main frame (on wing)-Failure - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Below VFR minima-Effect on operation - C
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total instrument experience-Pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
What happened
The non-instrument-rated private pilot was conducting the accident flight under visual flight rules without a flight plan. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the airplane flying from east to west but could not see the airplane due to the low clouds and reduced visibility. Subsequently, the witnesses heard a loud crack and then the impact of the airplane with the ground. Based upon witness statements and reported weather conditions near the accident site, the flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions. The distribution of the wreckage was consistent with an in-flight breakup starting with the separation of the left wing followed by the separation of the empennage. All fracture surfaces were consistent with overload failure. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. There was no record of the pilot receiving a preflight weather briefing from a recorded source.