Casualties unknown

VFR Pilot Encounters Instrument Conditions; Wing Separates Overstress (N2152D)

Warsaw, NC, US

On April 27, 2002, a Beech BE-35 (registration N2152D) was involved in an aviation accident near Warsaw, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right wing due to overstress separation. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a VFR flight from Selkirk, New York, without a flight plan or weather briefing, encountered instrument meteorological conditions over eastern North Carolina. Radar data showed the airplane at 4,400 feet before the right wing failed due to overstress separation. Toxicology results were positive for marijuana.

Flight Details

The pilot departed from Selkirk, New York, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight with an undisclosed destination. No flight plan was filed, and the pilot did not receive a weather briefing. According to radar data and a refueling slip, the pilot landed in Greenville, North Carolina, to refuel. There was no record of the pilot establishing radio communication with the Air Traffic Control system along the route.

Weather Encounters

A review of weather data indicated that the pilot encountered instrument flight conditions over eastern North Carolina during the flight.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was last observed on radar at 18:05:54 at an altitude of 4,400 feet.

Examination Findings

Examination of the airplane at the crash site revealed that the right wing had failed due to overstress separation.

Toxicology Results

Toxicology tests conducted on the pilot were positive for marijuana.

Probable cause

Failure of the right wing due to overstress separation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020503X00618. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.