September 1, 2007, Elizabethton, Tenn., Beech A36

At 1033 Eastern time, the airplane impacted up-sloping terrain and was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The flight originated about 1029. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the airplane landed at approximately 1001 hours, taxied to the south side of the airport, and without securing the engine, boarded two waiting passengers. The airplane then was observed taxiing towards a runway, but an airplane was being towed on the taxiway at that time. The accident airplane turned around and taxied to the opposite end of the same runway and began its takeoff roll.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A commercial pilot and four passengers were fatally injured when their airplane crashed into up-sloping terrain shortly after a 10:29 AM ET takeoff.
  • The flight sequence included an earlier landing, boarding passengers without engine shutdown, encountering a blocked taxiway, and then taking off from the opposite end of the runway.
  • Witnesses observed the airplane struggle to climb after takeoff, becoming airborne late and flying "exceptionally low" for approximately one mile before the impact.
See a mistake? Contact us.

At 1033 Eastern time, the airplane impacted up-sloping terrain and was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The flight originated about 1029. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the airplane landed at approximately 1001 hours, taxied to the south side of the airport, and without securing the engine, boarded two waiting passengers. The airplane then was observed taxiing towards a runway, but an airplane was being towed on the taxiway at that time. The accident airplane turned around and taxied to the opposite end of the same runway and began its takeoff roll.

A pilot-rated witness reported the airplane became airborne when it was / down the runway. The witness reported the airplane did not appear to be climbing very well and continued on the runway heading for approximately one mile. Other witnesses observed the airplane flying “exceptionally low.” After being reported overdue, the airplanes wreckage was located at approximately 1900.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE