Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while circling to land.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew a global positioning system approach and, though he was able to see the runway upon reaching the missed approach point, he stated that he was not able to land the airplane. He then decided to circle to land with full flaps while maintaining an airspeed of 140 mph. The airplane entered an “unusually high” sink rate during the turn; the pilot added full power and leveled the wings, but the airplane continued to descend. The airplane impacted the ground off the end of and to the right of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA202 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Casterville, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Casterville Municipal Airport (CBV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Smith AEROSTAR 601P
- N-number
- N602BV
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.