On November 24, 1989, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N1026W) operated by Hedco, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT BECAUSE OF SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane impacted the edge of a pond in a steep nose-down attitude shortly after takeoff from Runway 16. The pilot was not instrument-rated and had no actual instrument weather time. Fuel selectors were in auxiliary position. Both engines operated successfully in a test cell.
Accident Description
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane impacted the edge of a pond in a steep nose-down attitude. The impact site was located approximately 1/2 mile south and 1/4 mile west of the departure end of Runway 16. Dark night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot was not instrument rated. He had logged 54 hours of simulated instrument time but had no actual instrument weather time.
Aircraft Examination
The fuel selectors were found in the auxiliary tank position. Chord wise witness marks were not evident on any of the propeller blades. The propellers impacted in mud and shallow water.
Engine Testing
Both engines were functionally tested in a test cell and operated successfully.