At 1138 Central time, the airplane collided with terrain following loss of control while circling the departure airport. Both the commercial rated pilot and the student pilot passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and a post-impact fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane depart and climb to an altitude of 500 feet agl or less. The airplane made left-hand turns until it was re-oriented in the direction of takeoff. Witnesses reported the airplane was low and slow from the time it took off. They described the airplane was yawing and banking to the left and right in a nose-high attitude throughout the flight, then the left wing dropped and the nose descended just prior to the airplane impacting terrain.
August 12, 2009, Eden Prairie, Minn., Beech E18S Twin Beech
At 1138 Central time, the airplane collided with terrain following loss of control while circling the departure airport. Both the commercial rated pilot and the student pilot passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces and a post-impact fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane depart and climb to an altitude of 500 feet agl or less. The airplane made left-hand turns until it was re-oriented in the direction of takeoff.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane collided with terrain due to loss of control shortly after departing and circling the airport, resulting in fatal injuries for both the commercial pilot and student pilot passenger.
- Witnesses described the airplane as "low and slow" from takeoff, flying in a nose-high attitude with yawing and banking.
- The accident culminated when the left wing dropped and the nose descended just prior to the airplane impacting terrain, causing substantial damage and a post-impact fire.
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