History of Flight
On October 26, 2010, about 0954 central daylight time, a Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 36TC, N8045Y, was destroyed following an inflight break-up and collision with terrain near Rienzi, Mississippi. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certificated private pilot and passenger were killed. The flight departed Olive Branch Airport (OLV), Olive Branch, Mississippi, about 0925, and was destined for Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single engine land and instrument ratings. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued March 2009, at which time he reported 613 total flight hours. The most recent logbook entry was dated October 3, 2010, showing 790 total hours, including 59 hours in actual instrument meteorological conditions. The airplane was manufactured in 1992. Maintenance records indicated the most recent annual inspection was performed August 3, 2010, at 2,275 total aircraft hours. An earlier repair receipt dated July 14, 2007, noted airframe repairs due to stress, including replacement of stabilizer assemblies, wing skins, and belly skin. The owner of the repair facility stated that the pilot had previously brought another similar airplane for repair after flying through heavy weather.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather information available prior to departure included severe thunderstorm warnings, a tornado watch, and convective SIGMETs for a line of embedded thunderstorms. The pilot contacted flight service to file an IFR flight plan and declined a briefing on adverse conditions, stating, "No, that's why we are getting out of here." He had a subscription to a satellite weather service that could display NEXRAD radar on the Garmin 430W units, but it is unknown if it was enabled. At the time of the accident, radar indicated extreme precipitation (VIP level 5 and 6) in the area.
Air Traffic Control and Radar Data
FAA radar data showed the airplane climbing to 14,800 feet on an easterly track. The last three radar targets displayed altitudes of 14,800, 14,700, and 13,900 feet before radar contact was lost. An interpolation suggested a rate of descent of 4,800 feet per minute. The controller had relayed a pilot report from a preceding aircraft, which indicated light turbulence and heavy rain for about a minute; that report was made 20 minutes earlier, 5,000 feet lower, and several miles north of the accident location.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage was scattered over an area approximately 15 miles in length. About 70 percent of the airplane was recovered. Fractures were consistent with overload failure. The engine was examined and showed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure. The propeller blades displayed bending signatures consistent with rotation at impact. Toxicological testing of the pilot detected diphenhydramine in liver and kidney tissue.