NTSB Factual Report

On July 31, 2005, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Yakovlev 55M, N1003G, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near New Marlboro, Massachusetts. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for North Canaan Airport (CT24), North Canaan, Connecticut. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the flight originated at Rockland, Maine, and included a refueling stop in Orange, Massachusetts. The pilot initially flew at an altitude of 4,500 feet above a scattered cloud layer. He noticed that the scattered cloud layer was becoming more solid, and he descended to about 2,500 feet. Approximately 20 miles from his destination, the cloud layer became solid, and blocked off the view of the sky. Approximately 7 miles from CT24, the pilot observed lightning several miles to the southeast. The pilot further stated:

"...There was still a visible ceiling above me and visibility ahead. Figuring the storm was well south of me and with only 3 minutes or so to my destination, I chose to proceed thinking at the time that was my safest option, with Great Barrington (GER.), Massachusetts, a few miles to the north as another option. However, not many seconds later, I was in the storm with torrential rain, lightning within 3 miles, and heavy turbulence. Visibility went down to very little. I immediately did a 180 degree turn, but the sky and visibility back to the northeast was closed in...."

The pilot observed a field, and elected to perform a precautionary landing to the south, on slight uphill terrain. While on approach, the pilot reduced the engine power, and the airplane developed a high sink rate. The pilot added power; however, the airplane landed hard, and was substantially damaged. After the accident, the pilot noted that the winds were strong, and probably from the north, with the possibility of downdrafts and wind shear.

The pilot reported that he did not obtain any formal weather briefings. On the morning of the accident, he received weather for his route of flight by watching the weather channel. He also spoke with another pilot who was based at Simsbury, Connecticut, who did obtain a weather briefing.

A weather observation taken at an airport located about 30 miles east-southeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, included the remarks: "LTG DSNT SW AND W."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper weather evaluation which resulted in a precautionary off airport landing; and his improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. A factor in this accident was weather associated with thunderstorm activity.