N9720QBeech A24R · 1970

On July 21, 2012, about 1115 central daylight time, a Beech A24R, N9720Q, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain on approach to Clark Airport (5TE8), Miami, Texas. The pilot reported sustaining serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from 5TE8 about 1025.

The pilot reported that he was returning from a local flight over his ranch at the time of the accident. He stated that on approach, during the landing flare about 30 feet above ground level, the airplane began a turn to the right and he was unable to maintain control. The airplane impacted the ground and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot noted that he had no aileron control during the accident sequence.

A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed flight control continuity from each control surface to the cockpit area. However, the cockpit control yoke was consumed by the postimpact fire. Accordingly, a positive determination of flight control continuity at the time of the accident was not possible.