At the time of the accident, the automated METAR reported quarter-mile visibility and a 200-foot overcast ceiling. [Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
A fatal Bonanza accident at Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport occurred when an experienced, instrument-rated pilot attempted to land in severe fog and low ceiling conditions, far below IFR minimums.
The pilot had a documented history of successfully performing "wildcatting approaches" (improvised procedures) in below-minimums weather at this airport, but on the accident day, he impacted terrain just short of the runway during his third landing attempt.
The NTSB cited the accident as "VFR flight into IMC" and attributed a contributing factor to the pilot’s "hazardous anti-authority attitude," highlighting the dangers of experienced pilots repeatedly disregarding established safety rules and minimums.
In days of yore, the phrase “a doctor in a Bonanza” referred sarcastically to a pilot of unwarranted arrogance. But I’m dating myself. Perhaps the equivalent today is a hedge fund manager in a TBM.
In this case, however, it really was a doctor, and it really was a Bonanza.
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Peter Garrison taught himself to use a slide rule and tin snips, built an airplane in his backyard, and flew it to Japan. He began contributing to FLYING in 1968, and he continues to share his columns, ""Technicalities"" and ""Aftermath,"" with FLYING readers.
