On July 12, 1990, a Beech P35 (registration N9726Y) operated by T & T Machine Company was involved in an aviation accident near Disputanta, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INDEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION WHICH RESULTED IN FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THUNDERSTORMS AND THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot deviating around Level 4 thunderstorms reported altitude difficulties before losing contact. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area, sustaining in-flight separation of the left wing and right stabilator. No mechanical malfunction was found.
Incident Overview
A pilot was navigating around Level 4 thunderstorms when the accident occurred. The aircraft was flying north at an altitude of 10,000 feet when the pilot radioed air traffic control (ATC) and advised that he was having difficulty maintaining altitude. Shortly after this transmission, ATC lost both radio and radar contact with the airplane.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane crashed in a wooded area, with wreckage scattered over a distance of more than one mile. Examination of the debris revealed that the left wing and the right stabilator had separated from the aircraft during the event.
Investigation Findings
A thorough examination of the airplane did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction. No determination of probable cause was provided in the investigation report.
What happened in the 12 Jul 1990 Beech P35 accident near Disputanta, VA?
A pilot deviating around Level 4 thunderstorms reported altitude difficulties before losing contact. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area, sustaining in-flight separation of the left wing and right stabilator. No mechanical malfunction was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 1990 involved a Beech P35, registration N9726Y, operated by T & T Machine Company, at Disputanta, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INDEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION WHICH RESULTED IN FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THUNDERSTORMS AND THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE.
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