Event FTW98FA191

Factual narrative

On April 23, 1998, approximately 2115 central daylight time, a Beech F33A airplane, N2179L, was destroyed when it impacted the ground while maneuvering in the landing pattern at the Del Rio International Airport, Del Rio, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received fatal injuries. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. According to family members, the pilot intended to make a full stop landing at Del Rio after a 1.3 hour cross country flight that originated from Port Aransas, Texas. Several witnesses reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that they observed the aircraft execute an apparent "go-around" after an approach to runway 13, which is 5,100 feet in length. Both witnesses observed the aircraft turning to the right at mid-field when the nose "dropped." Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and a post impact fire ensued. The non-instrument rated private pilot completed a 1.3-hour dark night cross-country flight. Two witnesses reported observing the airplane attempting to execute an apparent "go-around" on runway 13, which was 5,100 feet in length. The two witnesses observed that the aircraft made a right turn near mid-field, followed by the nose of the airplane dropping towards the ground. Evidence at the site showed that the airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and a post impact fire ensued. Flight control continuity was established. No anomalies were found with the airframe or engine during examination. Ground scars corresponding to the main landing gear tires for the airplane were found 1,266 feet short of the landing threshold for runway 13. Additionally, five light poles were found knocked down short of the landing threshold. The aforementioned physical evidence shows that the airplane had apparently landed short of runway 13, impacted the approach lighting system, executed a go-around, and subsequently impacted the ground. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12