What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-05-22 involved a Beech A36, registration N1551K, at Statesville, NC.

Aircraft Accident: Uncontrolled Descent and Terrain Impact (N1551K)

On May 22, 1994, a Beech A36 (registration N1551K) was involved in an aviation accident near Statesville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF CONTROL FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(s). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During an IFR flight in VFR conditions, the aircraft descended from 9000 to 7000 feet, then made a steep right turn and descended. Communication lost, aircraft impacted terrain at high speed.

Flight Details

The flight was conducted under an IFR flight plan in VFR weather conditions. The pilot received clearance to descend from 9,000 feet to 7,000 feet.

Descent and Maneuver

Radar data indicated that the aircraft descended to 7,000 feet, leveled off momentarily, and then executed a steep right turn accompanied by a descending trajectory. Attempts to re-establish communication with the pilot after the descent began were unsuccessful.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft impacted terrain at a high rate of speed while in a nose-down left turn. The wreckage was distributed along a heading of 170 degrees, covering an area approximately 540 feet in length.

Autopilot System

No prior mechanical issues with the autopilot system had been recorded.

1994-05-22: Beech A36 (N1551K) — Statesville, NC