Crash of a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C in Tupelo: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jun 3, 2023 at 0811 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N4077W
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tupelo – Jackson
MSN:
31-8112031
YOM:
1981
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Tupelo Regional Airport, while climbing, the twin engine airplane entered a right turn then lost height and crashed near the boundary fence, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.

Crash of a Beechcraft C90A King Air in Gravestown

Date & Time: Sep 3, 2022 at 1021 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N342ER
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Tupelo - Tupelo
MSN:
LJ-1156
YOM:
1987
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
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.
Probable cause:
The uncertificated pilot’s criminal act of stealing the airplane and later performing an off-airport landing that resulted in an impact with terrain.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31P Pressurized Navajo in Louisville: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 27, 1999 at 0605 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N100EE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tupelo - Louisville
MSN:
31-7530003
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4100
Circumstances:
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.
Probable cause:
The pilot's disregard for the published minimum descent altitude resulting in tree contact and separation of 51 inches of the left wing. Findings in the investigation were the pilot's two failures of the ATP checkride in a multiengine airplane.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 560E in Tupelo: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 11, 1972 at 1724 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N2690B
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Marion - Tupelo
MSN:
560-190
YOM:
1955
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
3483
Captain / Total hours on type:
22.00
Circumstances:
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.
Probable cause:
Improper IFR operation on part of the pilot who misjudged altitude on approach. The following factors were reported:
- Low ceiling and fog,
- Obscuration,
- Visibility below minimums.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Columbus: 6 killed

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1972 at 2141 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9261Y
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tupelo - Columbus
MSN:
31-341
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
5100
Circumstances:
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.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The pilot had severe coronary artery disease.
Final Report: