Beech 35 N9883R accident near Seguin, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s mismanagement of airspeed and glidepath during approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with a fence.

NTSB analysis

During the initial climb, the airplane’s No. 3 cylinder indicated a cylinder head temperature (CHT) about 60° cooler than the other five cylinders. At 1,000 ft above ground level, the first power reduction was made from takeoff power to 2,500 rpm and 25 inches manifold pressure. The pilot reported a “normal reduction” in fuel flow was made with the mixture control. Immediately, the pilot heard and felt a loud, continuous “rhythmic banging” noise. The pilot noted the No. 3 cylinder CHT had reduced to 220° F; however, all other engine instrument indications remained in the normal range, and the engine still produced power.

The pilot decided to return to the airport and land. Once established on the final approach for the runway, the pilot concluded that the airplane was "high and fast.” The pilot reported he was committed to the landing even though he knew he would land "long and hot." After the touchdown, the rollout was “completely under control,” but the groundspeed was “fast.” The airplane crossed the end of the runway and traveled past the runway overrun area. The airplane came to a stop after impact with a fence. The pilot reported the engine continued to run until he shut it down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

A postaccident examination of the engine was performed and a small amount of metal was found in the oil filter; no other preimpact anomalies were noted with the engine. The cause of the noise as reported by the pilot and the low No. 3 cylinder CHT could not be determined based on the available evidence.

The accident is consistent with the pilot mismanaging his airspeed and glidepath during approach, which resulted in a precautionary landing too far down the runway at too high an airspeed to stop on the remaining runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA140 for the full record.