Beech 35 N3953N accident near Bridgeport, Texas

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated power-off approach in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and loss of control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and flight instructor were conducting an approach and landing following a simulated loss of engine power in gusting wind conditions. One witness stated that the airplane was descending from the north and appeared to be slow. It pulled up right before it hit trees, then “flipped” and hit the ground upright. Another witness saw the airplane at low altitude near the airport. He stated that the nose was up in the air and the tail barely cleared the power lines along the road. After crossing the road, the airplane pitched up and banked to the right. The right wing hit trees and the airplane descended out of sight.

A review of weather information revealed gusting wind conditions and thermal activity. An encounter with a thermal, with associated turbulence or a downdraft, was possible given the synoptic conditions and observations.

The recorded engine data revealed that the engine was operating at a low power setting, similar to idle, and no anomalies were noted. The airplane wreckage was sold for salvage and scrap before examination, and flight control continuity could not be confirmed.

Based on the pilot and witness statements, it is likely that, during the simulated loss of engine power, the pilots failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing approach in gusting wind conditions and exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA167 for the full record.