Beech S35 accident near Billings, MT
On September 27, 2021, a Beech S35 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Billings, MT. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- September 27, 2021
- Place
- Billings, MT
- Aircraft
- Beech S35 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 45.716°N, 108.577°W
- NTSB ID
- 20210927103962
Official records · WPR21FA353
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn September 26, 2021, about 1922 mountain daylight time, a Beech S35 airplane, N354M, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot was seriously injured, and the two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was conducting a cross-country flight from Colorado to a private airstrip in Montana. As the airplane neared the intended destination, the pilot voiced his concern to one passenger (who was pilot rated) about the dusk conditions with no runway lights at the airstrip, and the passenger reassured the pilot about the landing. As the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern, the pilot was feeling “okay” and conducted the checklist. The pilot stated that, as the airplane was landing, one passenger knew something was wrong and told the pilot to “add power.” Subsequently, the airplane turned left and impacted trees, and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot reported that he did not know what happened when the airplane touched down or why the airplane turned toward the trees. Regarding the airplane’s left turn after landing, the pilot “chalk[ed] it up to floating the landing somehow” and stated that everything was normal until the airplane turned left. He added that “something made the left wing hit the ground first, instead of the wheels.” Witnesses located near the accident site reported observing the airplane on final approach for the runway from the northeast. One witness stated that the airplane appeared t
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which led to a hard landing, subsequent loss of control, and collision with trees.
More accidents in MT
- Pilatus PC-12/45, Mar 22, 2009
- Beech D18S, Jul 5, 1987
- Cessna 550, Dec 18, 1992
- Beech V35B, Jun 24, 1982
- Cessna 182C, May 12, 2007
Browse: Montana · Beech aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
