On May 20, 1984, a Beech G35 (registration N4239D) was involved in an aviation accident near Tulsa, OK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft attempting a precautionary landing on a highway accelerated to full power, pulled up, struck a high power line, and impacted a field 588 feet away. No mechanical failures were found; the pilot had a myocardial infarction and severe coronary disease.
Incident Sequence
A witness reported that an aircraft appeared to be attempting a precautionary landing on a highway. As the aircraft neared the highway, the witness heard the engine accelerate to full power and observed the aircraft pull up. Subsequently, the aircraft contacted the top static wire of a 125-foot-high power line located approximately 100 yards west of the highway. The aircraft then tumbled and impacted in an open field, 588 feet from the point of wire contact.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. An autopsy performed on the pilot showed evidence of a subendocardial myocardial infarction that had occurred before the accident. The autopsy also indicated severe cardiovascular and coronary artery disease, with vessel wall occlusion of up to 90%.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 May 1984 Beech G35 accident near Tulsa, OK?
An aircraft attempting a precautionary landing on a highway accelerated to full power, pulled up, struck a high power line, and impacted a field 588 feet away. No mechanical failures were found; the pilot had a myocardial infarction and severe coronary disease.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 1984 involved a Beech G35, registration N4239D, at Tulsa, OK.
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