At about 12:35 EDT, a Beech N35 broke up in flight and crashed near Conicville, killing the pilot and passenger. The IFR flight was en route from Caro, Mich., to Newport News, Va., at 9,000 feet when the pilot reported an electrical failure. The pilot then radioed the controller again and stated that he had experienced a gyro failure. The controller then observed the airplane enter into a high rate of descent on the radar screen. The alternator belt was found loose about the alternator housing and the pulley wheel attached to the engine accessory drive case. The vacuum pump had a sheared drive shaft.
April 22, Conicville, Va. / Beech Bonanza
At about 12:35 EDT, a Beech N35 broke up in flight and crashed near Conicville, killing the pilot and passenger. The IFR flight was en route from Caro, Mich., to Newport News, Va., at 9,000 feet when the pilot reported an electrical failure. The pilot then radioed the controller again and stated that he had experienced a gyro failure. The controller then observed the airplane enter into a high rate of descent on the radar screen. The alternator belt was found loose about the alternator housing and the pulley wheel attached to the engine accessory drive case. The vacuum pump had a sheared drive shaft....
Key Takeaways:
- A Beech N35 broke up in flight and crashed near Conicville, killing both occupants, after the pilot reported successive electrical and gyro failures.
- Air traffic control observed the aircraft enter a high rate of descent on radar following the reported failures.
- Post-crash examination revealed a loose alternator belt and a sheared vacuum pump drive shaft, indicating multiple system malfunctions.
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