July 3, 2005, De Funiak Springs, Fla. / Beech V35 Bonanza

The airplane crashed into a swamp at about 1211 Central time; visual conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was in effect for the flight from Houston, Texas, to Panama City, Fla. The airplane was substantially damaged and the Private pilot was fatally injured; a passenger sustained minor injuries. While en route, the passenger was awakened by his father, the pilot, and advised to put on his seatbelt and shoulder harness. His father also advised him that the engine was running rough. The passenger reported that his father was talking with someone on the radio, and the aircraft was then in the trees....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A private pilot was fatally injured and a passenger sustained minor injuries when their airplane crashed into a swamp under visual conditions.
  • The pilot had an IFR flight plan in effect but reported the engine was running rough shortly before impact.
  • Prior to the crash, the pilot instructed the passenger to secure himself, then appeared to be communicating on the radio before the aircraft hit trees.
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The airplane crashed into a swamp at about 1211 Central time; visual conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was in effect for the flight from Houston, Texas, to Panama City, Fla. The airplane was substantially damaged and the Private pilot was fatally injured; a passenger sustained minor injuries. While en route, the passenger was awakened by his father, the pilot, and advised to put on his seatbelt and shoulder harness. His father also advised him that the engine was running rough. The passenger reported that his father was talking with someone on the radio, and the aircraft was then in the trees.

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