September 12, 2012, Bullard, Texas, Piper PA-23-250 Aztec

At about 1455 Central time, the airplane impacted terrain following an in-flight break-up. The commercial pilot was fatally injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed.

Editorial Staff

Friday, October 19, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An airplane experienced an in-flight break-up at 1455 Central time, resulting in a fatal injury to the commercial pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.
Witnesses observed the aircraft performing erratic maneuvers, including turns, climbs, and a nose-first dive, with loud engine noises heard throughout, before components separated.
The main accident site was on a road, with airplane components scattered up to a half-mile in multiple directions, indicating a widespread in-flight break-up.

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While flying several thousand feet above the ground, the airplane was observed to make several turns, pitch nose up and climb. The airplane then rolled to the right and headed toward the ground nose-first. Several witnesses observed airplane components floating down after the airplane. All witnesses reported hearing loud engine noises throughout the event. The accident site was located on a road in a wooded, residential area. Airplane components were located in several directions from the accident site at distances up to one-half mile.