On January 20, 1982, a Beech G35 (registration N4438D) operated by C. D. Kelley was involved in an aviation accident near Stillwater, OK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed on a dark night without a flight plan or weather briefing. Witnesses reported it climbing into fog, then flying at tree-top level before a right turn and explosion.
Departure
The aircraft departed during a dark night. No record of a flight plan being filed or a weather briefing being received was found.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft climb out of sight into a fog layer when approximately two-thirds down the runway. The aircraft then reappeared and continued to fly at tree-top level, maintaining the runway heading. One witness then saw the aircraft make a right turn at low altitude before losing sight of it, just prior to hearing an explosion.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot's certificate but was not instrument qualified.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Jan 1982 Beech G35 accident near Stillwater, OK?
An aircraft departed on a dark night without a flight plan or weather briefing. Witnesses reported it climbing into fog, then flying at tree-top level before a right turn and explosion.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jan 1982 involved a Beech G35, registration N4438D, operated by C. D. Kelley, at Stillwater, OK.
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