Beech C-23 Sundowner, N793Y: Accident occurred May 11, 2021 in Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Park City Flight Training LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N793Y

Location: Merrill, WI

Accident Number: CEN21LA213

Date & Time: May 11, 2021, 15:00 Local

Registration: N793Y

Aircraft: Beech C23 

Injuries: 2 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 11, 2021, at 1500 central daylight time, a Beech C23, N793Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Merrill, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger had minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he was returning to the airport after a 1-hour flight. When the airplane was about 5 miles from the airport, and descending through about 1,250 ft, the engine started to run rough and gradually lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and magnetos, with no change in the power loss. He executed an off-field landing. During the descent, the pilot turned the airplane about 45° to avoid powerlines. The left wing impacted the ground and the airplane touched down onto the field; the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop on its belly. The airplane exhibited substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Weather at the time of the accident reported scattered clouds at 7,000 ft, 10 miles of visibility, wind from 020 at 3 knots, gusting to 14 knots, temperature 55°F, and dewpoint 25°F.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 

Registration: N793Y

Model/Series: C23

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: On file 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: RRL,1318 ft msl

Observation Time: 14:55 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /-4°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 7000 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / 14 knots, 20°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.31 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Merrill, WI 

Destination: Merrill, WI

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Minor

Latitude, Longitude: 45.242042,-89.613289