Casualties unknown

Aircraft Loses Power on Both Engines, Crashes in Field (N9442S)

Jacksonville, FL, US

On May 2, 1985, a Beech 95-C55 (registration N9442S) operated by Richard O. Gelinas was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On a return flight to Jacksonville, an aircraft lost power in the right engine, then the left. The pilot attempted a forced landing but struck trees before crashing in a field. No fuel was found in the wreckage.

Incident Summary

The aircraft was on the final leg of a flight that originated that morning at Jacksonville, Florida, with stops in Daytona Beach and Crestview, Florida. While returning to Jacksonville, the right engine lost power as the aircraft approached its destination. The pilot attempted to restart the right engine but was unsuccessful and subsequently secured it. Shortly thereafter, the left engine also lost power, prompting the pilot to select an open field for a forced landing.

Pilot Actions

During the approach to the field, the pilot was unable to clear trees at the edge of the field. After impacting the trees, the aircraft crashed in the field. The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he used only the fuel quantity indicators to check the fuel level.

Wreckage Findings

No fuel was observed in the wreckage following the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1985 Beech 95-C55 accident near Jacksonville, FL?

On a return flight to Jacksonville, an aircraft lost power in the right engine, then the left. The pilot attempted a forced landing but struck trees before crashing in a field. No fuel was found in the wreckage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1985 involved a Beech 95-C55, registration N9442S, operated by Richard O. Gelinas, at Jacksonville, FL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36518. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.