June 3, 2005 in Jeanerette, La. / Beech 95-B55

At approximately 0730 Central time the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff initial climb from the Le Maire Memorial Airport (2R1) near Jeanerette, La. The foreign-certificated Private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed for the 411-nm flight destined for Point Lookout, Mo. A witness heard the airplanes engines pop several times during pre-takeoff taxi operations before clearing up. At the south end of the runway, the witness heard the engine noise increase for five to ten minutes before the noise decreased. The airplane then taxied in three complete circles before lining up on the runw...

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane crashed and was substantially damaged due to a loss of control during takeoff initial climb from Le Maire Memorial Airport, resulting in fatal injuries for the pilot and passenger.
  • A witness reported hearing the airplane's engines pop during pre-takeoff taxi operations, followed by an extended engine run-up and the plane circling before takeoff.
  • During the initial climb, the airplane turned east, and the witness heard loud "pow pow" sounds before silence, indicating a sudden engine issue before impact.
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At approximately 0730 Central time the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff initial climb from the Le Maire Memorial Airport (2R1) near Jeanerette, La. The foreign-certificated Private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed for the 411-nm flight destined for Point Lookout, Mo. A witness heard the airplanes engines pop several times during pre-takeoff taxi operations before clearing up. At the south end of the runway, the witness heard the engine noise increase for five to ten minutes before the noise decreased. The airplane then taxied in three complete circles before lining up on the runway. The airplane then took off towards the north. Before reaching the end of the runway, the airplane turned east and the witness lost sight of it. Still able to hear the engines, the witness reported hearing a loud pow pow, then silence.

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