At about 1630 eastern time, a Beech A36 crashed shortly after takeoff from James A. Rhodes Airport, killing the flight instructor and owner taking instruction. The accident flight occurred during a Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program. The pilot had attended an all-day ground school the day prior to the accident and was scheduled for a flight period from 1300-1700 with the instructor. Witnesses said the airplane departed from runway 01 and made a simulated emergency turnback to land on runway 19. The pilot backtaxied and reported he would make the same maneuver again. During the second maneuver, the airplane suddenly pitched down and spiraled to the ground. Another pilot who flew with the instructor the morning of the accident said the instructor emphasized the return to the runway, using best glide speed and a 45-degree bank to turn around.
April 26, Jackson, Ohio / Beech Bonanza
At about 1630 eastern time, a Beech A36 crashed shortly after takeoff from James A. Rhodes Airport, killing the flight instructor and owner taking instruction. The accident flight occurred during a Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program. The pilot had attended an all-day ground school the day prior to the accident and was scheduled for a flight period from 1300-1700 with the instructor. Witnesses said the airplane departed from runway 01 and made a simulated emergency turnback to land on runway 19. The pilot backtaxied and reported he would make the same maneuver again. During the second maneuver, the airplane suddenly pitched down and spiraled to the ground. Another pilot who flew with the in...
Key Takeaways:
- A Beech A36 crashed shortly after takeoff from James A. Rhodes Airport, killing both the flight instructor and the owner receiving instruction, during a pilot proficiency program.
- The accident occurred during the second attempt at a simulated emergency turnback maneuver to land on the opposite runway.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft suddenly pitch down and spiral to the ground during the second maneuver.
- The flight instructor had previously emphasized the critical nature and technique of this specific return-to-runway maneuver, including best glide speed and a 45-degree bank.
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