On June 29, 1999, a Beech BE-58 (registration N17915) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following an engine failure, which was not identified during the investigation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported an engine problem shortly after takeoff and requested to return to the airport. The aircraft collided with trees and burst into flames, with no evidence of mechanical malfunction found.
What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported experiencing an engine problem and requested permission to return to the airport. Air traffic control cleared the flight to land on any available runway. A witness on the ground reported hearing only one engine running during the approach. The pilot maneuvered west of the airport before the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently burst into flames.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that both propellers were in a low-pitch blade angle. Investigators found no evidence of any mechanical malfunction that could have caused the engine failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following an engine failure, which was not identified during the investigation.