Beechcraft A36 N2TC

Summary

On 20 February 1996 at about 17:45 local time, a Beechcraft A36 registered N2TC was involved in an accident near Katy, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 February 1996 at 17:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Katy, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

West Houston (IWS)

Coordinates

29.8405, -95.7290

Aircraft

Beechcraft A36

Registration

N2TC

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

San Antonio → Houston

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW96FA120

1 person died.

a loss of control due to pilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons. A factor related to the pilot's injuries was the lack of shoulder harness restraint.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After 35 minutes of uneventful flight at 5,500 feet MSL, the pilot contacted ATC to request a lower altitude due to 'not feeling very well.' During the next 45 minutes of flight inbound to his destination airport, he relayed to ATC controllers that he was feeling progressively worse. About 9 miles west of his destination, his radio transmissions were becoming increasingly labored, and he stated that he was 'in bad shape' and was experiencing 'blurred vision.' Subsequent to radar contact being lost, a pilot from another airplane witnessed the aircraft 'swerving back and forth very low to the ground.' He reported that the aircraft impacted the ground 'at cruise speed or faster.' Autopsy findings did not reveal evidence of a cardiac event. Toxicology tests for alcohol and carbon monoxide were negative. An inspection of the aircraft's heater and muffler systems did not reveal any defects. No hazardous or toxic materials were found within the wreckage. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and chest. The pilot was not wearing a shoulder harness (not installed). After impact damage, there was occupiable volume within the forward cabin structure.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.