Tupelo

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were departing on an instrument flight rules flight in the multi-engine airplane. ADS-B information showed that, just after takeoff, the airplane entered a climbing right turn, reaching a peak altitude about 300 ft above ground level and a highest ground speed about 102 knots (kts). The airplane continued in a descending, tightening right turn as its speed decreased. Analysis of the ADS-B data indicated that the airplane’s bank angle was initially about 42° with a load factor of 1.36g. As the turn continued, the bank angle increased to about 46° with a load factor of 1.44g. Under these conditions, the airplane’s stall
speed would have been about 77 kts calibrated airspeed. The airplane’s last calculated true airspeed was about 81 kts. The airplane impacted terrain adjacent to the airport and was consumed by a postimpact fire. Examination of the engines revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions; however, the scope of the examinations was limited due to postimpact fire damage. A sound spectrum study conducted from surveillance video of the airplane indicated that at least one of the airplane’s engines was operating around 2,550 rpm throughout the takeoff and right turn; however, the study was unable to distinguish whether the recorded sound was from one engine or both engines operating at the same rpm. Examination of the flight control system did not reveal any anomalies. During the postaccident examination of the airplane, an aileron balance cable was found separated from a swaged terminal end with a portion of the cable not located. Metallurgical examination of the separation revealed that it was consistent with being cut, most likely during recovery of the wreckage or the accident sequence. Toxicological testing revealed the presence of ethanol and n-propanol in specimens from the pilot. Although the presence of ethanol in the tested specimens means that the possibility of alcohol consumption could not be excluded, at least some of the detected ethanol was likely the result of postmortem production. Toxicological testing of the passenger revealed the potentially sedating antihistamine, cetirizine, in muscle and liver tissue; however, whether the passenger was experiencing any impairing effects from the use of cetirizine could not be determined. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering immediately after takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain; however, the circumstances that resulted in the pilot’s decision to conduct the steep right turn at low altitude could not be determined.

The uncertificated pilot stole the accident airplane at Tupelo Airport with the intent of crashing it into a department store located 2 miles southeast of the airport. However, he continued to fly the airplane in the area for several hours until he performed an off-airport landing in a field 32 miles northwest of the departure airport that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage.

The pilot received a weather briefing before departure and when near the destination airport, cleared for the NDB approach. The pilot reported the procedure turn inbound; published MDA is 1,300 feet msl. Witnesses on the airport reported heavy low fog and heard the pilot announce over the UNICOM frequency, 'Oh there is fog rolling into Starkville too?' One of the witnesses advised the pilot they could go to another airport due to the fog; the pilot responded he would execute the approach. The witnesses heard the engines operating at full power then heard the impact and saw a fireball. The airplane impacted the runway inverted, slid across the runway, and came to rest in grass off the runway. A post crash fire destroyed the airplane. Tree contact approximately 972 feet northwest of the runway impact location separated approximately 51 inches of the left wing. Examination of the engines, propellers, and flight controls revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The pilot had twice failed his airline transport pilot checkride. The designated examiner of the second failed flight test indicated the pilot was marginal in all flight operations. The NDB was checked after the accident; no discrepancies were noted.

On final approach to Tupelo Airport, the pilot was unable to locate the runway due to limited visibility. Circling the field following a straight-in approach, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed on the field. The passenger was injured while the pilot was killed.

On approach to Columbus-Lowndes County Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed few miles from the airfield. The wreckage was found few hours later. The airplane was destroyed and all six occupants have been killed.