What happened
On July 26, 2014, a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N248SP, crashed into trees and elevated terrain near Heaven's Landing Airport (GE99) in Clayton, Georgia. The flight was a personal trip originating from the airport and en route to Aurora, Illinois.
At approximately 0850 EDT, witnesses on the airport ramp observed the aircraft perform a routine preflight, engine start, and taxi. During the takeoff from runway 5, witnesses noted the airplane became airborne approximately 2,000 feet down the 5,062-foot runway. They observed the aircraft drift to the left and disappear into fog that was rolling up the valley. While the engine sounded normal, the witnesses heard two distinct "booms" roughly four to six seconds apart before the accident.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a cloud ceiling of 300 feet and visibility of 5 statute miles in mist. The surrounding area is characterized by mountainous terrain.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the wreckage located about 1,50 and feet north of the departure end of runway 5, at an elevation approximately 250 feet higher than the runway.
Investigators found that:
- The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.
- A swath through the treetops indicated a near-level flight path at the time of impact.
- All major structural components were accounted for, though the cockpit and cabin were consumed by fire.
- The landing gear was found in the extended position.
- The engine was separated from the airframe and found inverted; however, examination of the engine, including the cylinders, magnetos, and turbochargers, revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.
- The fuel system showed no signs of pre-accident anomalies, and fuel was present in the lines.
- Flight control continuity was established, with cable breaks showing tension overload signatures.
An autopsy of the pilot determined the cause of death was blunt impact and thermal injuries, along with smoke and soot inhalation. Toxicology results were negative for ethanol and drugs.