NTSB Identification: LAX08FA092
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 02, 2008 in Benson, AZ
Aircraft: Beech 95-B55, registration: N20480
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

On April 2, 2008, about 1931 mountain standard time, a Beech 95-B55, N20480, collided with terrain during an aborted landing at Benson, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were killed; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing, and rudder. The cross-country business flight departed Safford, Arizona, about 1855 with a planned destination of Benson. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

A fixed base operator reported that line personnel filled the airplane's fuel tanks prior to the departure from Safford.

The airport manager at Benson reported that the pilot announced on the common traffic advisory frequency that he would make a straight-in approach to runway 28, which was 4,000 feet long. The airport manager observed the airplane, and thought that it was high and fast. At this time the pilot broadcast an intention to go-around. The manager could see the airplane's lights, and estimated that the airplane was approaching midfield about 50 feet above ground level (agl). He heard an increase in engine sounds, and saw the airplane climb out.

The pilot broadcast the downwind position, and then turning final. The airport manager observed the airplane's lights, and noted that it was not as high or fast as on the first approach. But he thought that it was higher and faster than the approach should be. Due to hangars, he lost sight of the lights as the airplane passed the midfield point at about 10 feet agl. Then he heard what he described as a hard touchdown followed by increasing engine sounds. He looked over the hangar, and saw a green light arc to the left. He then heard a thud and the engine sounds stop.

The airplane manager notified emergency services, and went to the accident site. The airplane was between the runway and the taxiway. He stated that the airplane's lights were still illuminated. He determined that the occupants were fatally injured, and that there was a fuel leak. He contacted a mechanic, who instructed first responders how to cut electrical lines from the battery and shut off power to the airplane's systems.

Investigators examined the wreckage on scene. The first identified point of contact (FIPC) was a ground scar that had remnants of the rotating beacon, whose location was on the top of the vertical stabilizer, at its beginning. The ground scar led about 35 feet to the inverted wreckage. The landing gear was extended, and the flaps were retracted. Investigators established control continuity for the ailerons, elevators, and rudder.

The right engine crankshaft fractured and separated at the front of the case. The jagged fracture surface was on a 45-degree angle around half of the circumference, and had a shear lip. The right propeller and flange were about 30 feet in front of the left engine. All three blades on the right propeller exhibited torsional twist damage, and angled chordwise striations.

The left side propeller assembly remained attached to the crankshaft. Two blades contacted the ground, and bent aft around the cowling. These two blades had span wise striations. The third blade pointed up, and appeared undamaged.