Thursday, January 27, 2022

Beech F33A Bonanza, N1HH: Accident occurred January 26, 2022 near H. A. Clark Memorial Field (KCMR), Williams, Coconino County, Arizona

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; Las Vegas, Arizona


Location: Williams, Arizona 
Accident Number: WPR22LA083
Date and Time: January 26, 2022, 10:55 Local
Registration: N1HH
Aircraft: Beech F33A 
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 26, 2022, about 1055 mountain standard time, a Beech F33A, N1HH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The pilot reported that he departed from H A Clark Memorial Field Airport, runway 36, and turned left to the west. While ascending, about 700 to 800 ft agl, the engine lost power and the pilot initiated a right turn toward the airport. The pilot stated that he realized he was unable to make it to the airport and elected to land in an open desert field. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard and struck vegetation during the landing roll. The pilot stated that he had topped off the main fuel tanks prior to the accident flight and that the fuel selector level was selected in the main tanks position.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that left and right wings were substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N1HH
Model/Series: F33A 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: 
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: KCMR, 6677 ft msl 
Observation Time: 10:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles 
Temperature/Dew Point: 3°C /-13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / 10 knots,
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.21 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: 
Destination:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 35.32816,-112.20261 (est)


WILLIAMS, Arizona — A pilot walked away from a plane crash near H.A. Clark Airport in Williams January 26.

The plane, a 1975 Beechcraft Bonanza, crashed in a pinyon-juniper area approximately one mile north of the airport around 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The unidentified pilot from Laughlin, Nevada, was traveling alone and was able to call 911 to request assistance.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded and was assisted by Williams Fire Department, High Country Fire Department and LifeLine Ambulance.

Although the pilot reported he was uninjured and stayed with the aircraft, it took several hours for searchers to find the downed plane.

Once located, personnel walked the pilot to the nearest road and the crew evaluated him for injuries.

The pilot stated he had lost power after taking off from the airport and tried to turn around before setting the plane down in an area known as Pine Creek Wash.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said the FAA is investigating the accident.