NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On September 29, 1995, approximately 2238 central daylight time, a Beech A36, N836AA, collided with a non-directional beacon (NDB) antenna pole during approach at the Curtis Field Airport near Brady, Texas. The airplane was destroyed and the commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was rented from Abilene Aero, Inc., by the pilot for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed and dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which departed Brownwood, Texas, approximately 20 minutes before the accident.

Witnesses observed the airplane circle the airport "two or three times" before starting a descent "like it was going to land." The witnesses lost sight of the airplane behind buildings and then observed flames on the airport grounds. They reported that there were "no lights on" at the airport. One witness stated that it was "pitch dark" and a local law enforcement official reported that there was "no moon."

During a personal interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the airport manager reported that runway 17/35 had been seal coated on September 27, 1995. The runway was reopened on the morning of September 29, 1995, and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) closing the runway, which had been in effect during the construction project, was canceled. He further reported that because the centerline and identification markings on the runway had not yet been repainted, a decision was made on the afternoon of the 29th to keep the airport closed to night operations. For this reason, the runway lights and the rotating beacon were not operating at Curtis Field on the night of the 29th.

A copy of the NOTAM log for the month of September 1995 was provided by the San Angelo Automated Flight Service Station. Review of the log revealed that NOTAMs closing runway 17/35 at Curtis Field were in effect from 0800 on September 26, 1995, until 1030 on September 29, 1995.

According to a business associate of the pilot, the pilot had landed at Curtis Field on September 26, 1995, and learned of the pending runway project. At that time, he was informed by the airport manager that the runway would be reopened by the morning of the 29th. On the night of the 29th, the pilot planned to land at Brady, pick up three passengers, and continue on to Houston, Texas.

On September 29, 1995, approximately 2100, the pilot contacted the Fort Worth Automated Flight Service Station and requested a weather briefing for a flight from Brownwood to Houston with an intermediate stop at Brady. A copy of the audio tape of this weather briefing was provided by the FAA. Review of the tape by the investigator-in-charge revealed that the pilot specifically requested NOTAMs on the Curtis Field Airport. He asked the briefer if the airport was "still closed" and was informed that there were no NOTAMs on file. At the conclusion of the weather briefing, the pilot filed a VFR flight plan for the portion of the trip from Brady to Houston.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

A review of the pilot's logbooks, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, revealed that the pilot had made numerous flights into and out of Curtis Field Airport. In 1984 and 1985, he had given flight instruction at the airport. In the 49 days before the accident, the pilot had logged 10 flights which included landings at Curtis Field with two of the landings occurring at night.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

A review of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed no record of any uncorrected maintenance discrepancies.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Cutis Field Airport is owned and operated by the City of Brady, Texas. The airport is not required to be, nor is it, certificated under Title 14 CFR Part 139. There are no regulatory requirements for non-Part 139 certificated airports to issue NOTAMs. Guidelines for airport managers concerning the issuance of NOTAMs are contained in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-28A. Paragraph 9 of the circular is entitled "Airport Management Responsibilities" and states, in part:

The management of a civil airport which is open for public use is expected to make known as soon as practical any condition on or in the vicinity of the airport, existing or anticipated, which would prevent, restrict, or present a hazard to arriving or departing aircraft. Public notification is normally accomplished by the NOTAM system.

The airport has two runways, runway 08/26 which is turf, and runway 17/35 which is paved and equipped with low intensity runway edge lights. As shown on the attached airport diagram, the Brady NDB is located 660 feet south of runway 08/26 and 635 feet east of runway 17/35. The NDB consists of a symmetrical T-antenna supported by two 50 foot tall poles and a transmitter housed in a metal building located at the midpoint between the poles. The poles are located 300 feet apart and situated parallel to runway 17/35.

A copy of the aeronautical study completed prior to the installation of the Brady NDB was obtained from the FAA. The study determined that the antenna "would not be a hazard to air navigation" and, therefore, did not require obstruction marking and lighting.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Examination of the accident site revealed a linear wreckage path extending for 379 feet on a measured magnetic heading of 170 degrees. The wreckage path began at the northerly pole of the NDB antenna which was located about 1910 feet south of the threshold of runway 17. A section of the left aileron control cable was wrapped around the pole approximately 45 feet above ground level. The severed left wing was located 46 feet south of the pole and displayed a rounded indentation in the leading edge corresponding in diameter to the pole.

A ground scar measuring 13 feet in length and containing fragments of windshield plexiglass was located 311 feet south of the pole. The main wreckage consisting of the fuselage, right wing and engine came to rest inverted 379 feet south of the pole. The landing gear was extended and the flaps were partially extended. Post-impact fire consumed the right wing and the fuselage from the firewall to the tailcone. See enclosed wreckage diagram for further details.

An examination of the engine was conducted on October 18, 1995, under the supervision of the NTSB investigator-in-charge, and no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction was observed. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft and the three blades remained attached to the hub. One blade was bent back, twisted 360 degrees, and gouged on the trailing edge near the tip. Another blade was loose in the hub, evidenced torsional twisting, and displayed chordwise scratches. The third blade was bent forward and separated 18 inches outboard from the hub.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The autopsy was performed by Roberto J. Bayardo, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner of Travis County, at Austin, Texas. Toxicological testing detected dextromethorphan (non-narcotic, antitussive cough expectorant), pseudoephedrine, and phenlypropanolamine (decongestants) in blood and urine. According to Dr. Soper of the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute, these findings, while "insignificant" in terms of causing impairment, "suggest that the pilot had an underlying medical condition which may have caused discomfort or a distraction." Doxylamine (Unisom) was detected in urine; this over-the-counter sleep aid is not approved by the FAA for use while flying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The wreckage was released to a representative of the owner on October 18, 1995.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper decision to attempt a night landing without the visual cues necessary to establish runway alignment. Factors were the dark night light condition, the inoperative runway edge lights, and the failure of airport management to issue a NOTAM that the airport was closed to night operations.