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2 fatalities

Airplane Destroyed in Barn Impact and Fire; Two Occupants Later Pronounced Dead (N30WS)

Rensselaer, IN, US

On August 4, 2001, a Beech E55 (registration N30WS) was involved in an aviation accident near Rensselaer, IN. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's ostentatious display when he buzzed the farmstead and did not maintain clearance from the barn. 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 airplane was destroyed by fire after impacting a barn and skidding 100 feet. The pilot and passenger survived the initial crash but later died. No preexisting anomalies were found.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was destroyed when it was consumed by fire after making a low pass over a farmstead. The aircraft impacted the top of a barn, traveled about 700 feet, then impacted the ground in a bean field. It skidded on the ground for approximately 100 feet before being consumed by fire. The pilot and one passenger survived the initial impact and fire. Two individuals in a swimming pool located about 10 feet from the northwest edge of the barn reported that the airplane's engines were loud when it struck the barn, which was about 27 feet in height. The farmstead was owned by the brother of the pilot.

Post-Accident Findings

The passenger was pronounced dead about 22 hours after the accident occurred. The pilot was pronounced dead on September 4, 2001. A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2001 Beech E55 accident near Rensselaer, IN?

An airplane was destroyed by fire after impacting a barn and skidding 100 feet. The pilot and passenger survived the initial crash but later died. No preexisting anomalies were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Aug 2001 Beech E55 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2001 involved a Beech E55, registration N30WS, at Rensselaer, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's ostentatious display when he buzzed the farmstead and did not maintain clearance from the barn.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010807X01629. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.