What happened
On June 29, 2008, a Beech 95-B55, registration N727BC, crashed near Jasper, Alabama, shortly after departing Walker County Airport (JFX). The flight was intended to travel to Jack Edwards Airport (JKA) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. At the time of the accident, the weather consisted of an overcast ceiling at 300 feet and visibility of 5 miles, representing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the aircraft in a nose-up pitch attitude, performing a descending, wings-level, tail-low spin. Some observers noted that the engine sound changed, with one engine appearing to sputter or quit while the other continued to run. Radar data tracked the aircraft as it flew a non-linear, S-shaped path, climbing and descending between 1,300 and 2,600 feet before the final descent over the crash site.
The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate but lacked an instrument rating, was accompanied by three passengers. All 4 occupants were killed in the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage at the site and later at Walker County Airport. The aircraft was found upright in wooded terrain. While the cockpit and engine components were destroyed by the impact, investigators established that the flight controls remained functional and the fuel system was intact.
An examination of the engines revealed no mechanical anomalies prior to the impact. Although the left magneto was found separated from its mount due to impact, the engines were otherwise functional.
Weight and balance calculations performed after the accident revealed that the aircraft's weight at takeoff was 5,303 pounds, which exceeded the manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight of 5,100 pounds. Additionally, an 80-pound dog had been placed unrestrained in the aft baggage area.