FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Beech B55 Training Flight Experiences Rapid Descent and Flat Spin (N727AF)

Xenia, OH, US

On July 31, 2001, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N727AF) operated by Wright Patterson Afb Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Xenia, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent spin. 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

A Beech B55 on a training flight departed at 0820, climbed to 6,000 ft, then slowed to 60 KIAS and entered a near-vertical descent. Witnesses saw a flat spin before impact. The syllabus included engine-out maneuvers and slow airspeed training.

Flight Profile

According to radar data, the training flight departed at approximately 0820. The airplane flew south and climbed to 6,000 feet mean sea level (msl). About 20 minutes later, while maneuvering, the airplane descended and stabilized at 5,400 feet. However, airspeed decreased to about 60 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). Subsequently, the airplane entered a rapid descent in a near-vertical flight path.

Witness Observations

Around 0840, witnesses near the accident site observed the airplane in a flat spin prior to ground impact.

Training Context

The training syllabus for the respective lesson included the following topics: Maneuvering at Critically Slow Airspeed; Emergency Operations (Engine-Out); and Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative. Additionally, review of the flight instructor's daily planner for that lesson revealed, "Hold, Stalls, Short T/O/Landing."

Aircraft Performance Reference

Review of a Beech B55 manual revealed that the minimum speed for directional controllability with one engine out was 78 KIAS.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2001 Beech 95-B55 accident near Xenia, OH?

A Beech B55 on a training flight departed at 0820, climbed to 6,000 ft, then slowed to 60 KIAS and entered a near-vertical descent. Witnesses saw a flat spin before impact. The syllabus included engine-out maneuvers and slow airspeed training.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2001 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N727AF, operated by Wright Patterson Afb Aero Club, at Xenia, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent spin.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010810X01652. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.