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Aircraft N2300W Crashes After Stall/Spin Near Vertical Descent

Sarasota, FL, US

On March 15, 1996, a Beech A23A (registration N2300W) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering (VSO) resulting in an inadvertent in-flight loss of control (stall/spin) and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. 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

An aircraft (N2300W) declared mayday for a stall and spin, then crashed in a near-vertical descent with 35-degree nose-down attitude and no forward motion. A witness observed a left spiral descent.

Incident Overview

The pilot of aircraft N2300W was in radio contact with air traffic control for traffic advisories. Radar tracking showed the aircraft maneuvering between 2,400 feet and 2,300 feet.

Mayday Call

During the flight, the pilot transmitted: "Mayday, November Two Three Zero Zero Whiskey is in a stall in a spin."

Witness Observations

A witness driving near the accident site reported seeing the airplane descending in a vertical spiral to the left.

Crash Site Evidence

Examination of the crash site revealed that the airplane collided with the ground in a near vertical descent, with a 35-degree nose-down attitude. There was no evidence of forward motion at impact.

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved a stall and spin, resulting in a vertical descent to the ground.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 1996 Beech A23A accident near Sarasota, FL?

An aircraft (N2300W) declared mayday for a stall and spin, then crashed in a near-vertical descent with 35-degree nose-down attitude and no forward motion. A witness observed a left spiral descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 1996 involved a Beech A23A, registration N2300W, at Sarasota, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering (VSO) resulting in an inadvertent in-flight loss of control (stall/spin) and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05446. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.