VFR into IMC · NTSB CEN13FA006
BEECH A36 — Mabank, TX
| Date | October 6, 2012 |
| Location | Mabank, TX |
| Aircraft | BEECH A36 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 60 |
| Pilot total time | 569 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 4 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
- Organizational issues-Management-Communication (organizational)-Between groups/organizations-ATC
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low ceiling-Contributed to outcome
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Weather planning-Pilot - F
What happened
The pilot obtained a weather briefing the day before the accident; however, no record was found indicating that he obtained an updated briefing on the day of the flight, which would have included weather advisories for instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) surrounding the airplane's route of flight. After encountering low clouds at the destination airport, the pilot requested a clearance to divert to another nearby airport, and he was provided the clearance. No further radio transmissions were received. The airplane crashed between the two airports. Photographs of the flight conditions taken by a pilot flying in the area about the time of the accident showed low, overcast clouds above the airplane. A review of logbook entries and mechanic's statements did not reveal any unresolved maintenance or airworthiness issues. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Propeller and internal engine components exhibited damage consistent with the production of power at the time of the accident. Therefore, on the basis of the evidence, the pilot most likely lost control of the airplane while maneuvering in IMC.