Casualties unknown

1989-08-10: Beech E55 (N55TP) — Kitty Hawk Flyers — Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC, US

On August 10, 1989, a Beech E55 (registration N55TP) operated by Kitty Hawk Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION WHILE OPERATING IN INSTRUMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight departing Raleigh-Durham International Airport at 1119 lost radio contact after acknowledging a clearance to Tar River VOR. Witnesses reported engine revving and a nose-low attitude before impact. Radar data indicated instability in heading, altitude, and airspeed.

Flight History

The flight departed Raleigh-Durham International Airport at 1119. At 1122, air traffic control cleared the flight to the Tar River VOR navigation aid. The pilot acknowledged the instruction, which was the last recorded communication from the flight.

Witness Observations

Witnesses on the ground reported hearing the engines revving up before the airplane impacted the ground. One witness stated seeing the airplane in a nose-low attitude just prior to impact.

Radar Data

Radar data from the period between 1120:51 and 1123:40 showed some instability in the flight's heading, altitude, and airspeed. No pre-impact failure or malfunction was found during the subsequent examination of the wreckage.

Weather and ATC Information

The pilot did not report experiencing any weather difficulties. Radar depictions from air traffic control showed no thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the flight's path.

Investigation

Investigators determined that no pre-impact failure or malfunction had occurred. The cause of the accident remains undetermined based on the available evidence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29025. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.