Accident Overview
On December 25, 2018, about 1703 central standard time, a Beech 58P airplane, registration N6745V, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in a residential area of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A post-impact fire ensued. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The flight departed Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Grand Rapids, Michigan, about 1407, en route to Marv Skie-Lincoln County Airport (Y14), Tea, South Dakota. The pilot filed an IFR flight plan. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed during the last portion of the flight; Y14 had no instrument approach capability.
Air traffic control transcripts indicate that around 1647, the pilot confirmed receipt of the latest weather and stated he would "need to make an approach [into Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)] and break off." The controller offered the RNAV approach for runway 33 or the ILS for runway 3; the pilot chose the RNAV 33 approach. The controller cleared the flight to the GIWFI initial approach fix and advised the pilot to expect the RNAV 33 approach. At 1651, the controller reported an 800-foot overcast ceiling and stated the pilot would have to fly the approach into FSD.
ADS-B data show the airplane leveled at 3,100 ft msl about 1656 at 169 knots calibrated airspeed. At 1657, the controller cleared the flight for the RNAV 33 approach and instructed crossing GIWFI at 3,100 ft msl. The airplane then slowed and deviated laterally from the final approach path, turning left and right across the centerline. At 1701, the controller cleared the airplane to land on runway 33. The airplane began descending at 1703:10. At 1703:16, the airplane was at 3,000 ft msl at about 78 KCAS. Shortly thereafter, it rapidly descended while turning sharply left; radar data ended at 1703:31. At 1703:33, the controller issued a low-altitude alert. No further pilot communications were recorded.
A witness near the accident site reported hearing the airplane, then seeing it "pop out of the clouds about 1,000 ft agl," heading straight down, and attempting to pull out of the dive before impact. Security camera footage from about half a mile northeast showed the airplane descending at a steep angle for about 2 seconds, then a smoke plume and fireball.
Meteorological Conditions
The closest weather station, Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD), reported at 1656: wind 040° at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles or more, overcast ceiling 800 ft agl, temperature -1°C, dew point -3°C, altimeter 30.24 inHg. The terminal aerodrome forecast issued at 0755 had predicted IFR conditions improving to VFR by accident time, but an updated 1127 forecast indicated MVFR conditions. Actual conditions at 1656 were IFR. Sunset was at 1656; civil twilight ended at 1728. At accident time, the sun was 2° below the horizon.
Aircraft and Wreckage Information
The airplane was a Beech 58P. According to a family member, about three months before the accident, the airplane experienced a sudden nose-over event at altitude. A December 4, 2018, work order documented removal and repair of several avionics components. The repair station owner reported the pilot flew the airplane after repairs and said everything worked perfectly; on December 22, the pilot reported no issues. The last annual inspection was completed on February 15, 2018, with airframe total time of 5,585.7 hours. Investigators could not determine accident weight or actual stall speed.
The initial impact point was in trees and against a structure in a residential area. All major components separated: both engines, wings, and empennage. The fuselage and wings were fragmented with post-impact fire damage. Both flap actuators extended 5 inches (consistent with 20° flaps). Flight control cables exhibited overload separation. The left elevator remained partially attached; the right elevator had separated. Examination of both engines revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions. Both propellers remained attached; blades showed chordwise scratching and leading edge damage.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed on December 26, 2018, determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing was negative for all tested substances.