April 11, Willows, Calif. / Beech Bonanza

At approximately 1006 Pacific time, a Beech G35 broke up in flight four miles west of Willows, killing the pilot and passenger. Witnesses said the airplane was approaching Thunderhill Park from the southwest at 1500 feet agl and a high speed. It banked sharply and began to circle the park when suddenly the tail began to shake violently. The tail separated and the airplane broke apart as it came down....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Beech G35 broke up in flight four miles west of Willows, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and passenger.
  • Witnesses observed the aircraft banking sharply at high speed near Thunderhill Park when its tail began to shake violently, separated, and the airplane subsequently broke apart.
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At approximately 1006 Pacific time, a Beech G35 broke up in flight four miles west of Willows, killing the pilot and passenger. Witnesses said the airplane was approaching Thunderhill Park from the southwest at 1500 feet agl and a high speed. It banked sharply and began to circle the park when suddenly the tail began to shake violently. The tail separated and the airplane broke apart as it came down.

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