History of Flight
On December 30, 2018, about 1948 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-23 airplane, N2146P, impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from Beaver Island Airport (SJX), Beaver Island, Michigan. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Dark night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Fitch H. Beach Airport (FPK), Charlotte, Michigan.
Due to the government furlough, neither the National Transportation Safety Board nor the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site. The on-scene documentation was conducted by the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department.
A witness reported hearing the airplane for about 10 minutes before the sound of the engines increased dramatically. He added, "it was very loud." After taking off, the airplane seemed to turn to the right (north). Shortly afterward, the sound changed to a lower pitch similar to when a pilot adjusts the pitch of the propellers; then it went silent; although, he did not recall hearing the impact.
A second witness noted that the airplane was "real loud." She subsequently drove past the airport and observed the airplane taking off to the west. Nothing seemed unusual during the time she saw it. She did not witness the accident.
A third witness reported hearing the "distinct sound" of a twin-engine airplane. He noted that it was "plenty loud" and that the engines didn't seem to have any difficulties. Shortly afterward, the sound abruptly "went quiet," after which he heard the airplane impacting the trees.
The airplane impacted a wooded area about 1/3 mile north-northeast of the departure end of the runway. The impact path was oriented toward the north-northeast and was about 115 feet long.
Personnel Information
The pilot's logbook was not available. On his most recent application for an FAA medical certificate, the pilot reported a total flight time of 5,468 hours, with 52.2 hours within the preceding 6 months. He held an instrument rating; however, his recent instrument experience could not be determined. His recent night flight experience was unknown. The pilot's family stated that he was familiar with the route, having completed the trip between SJX and FPK at least twice per month.
Aircraft Information
At the time of the most recent annual inspection on September 27, 2018, the airframe had accumulated 8,809 hours total time. The left and right engines had accumulated 4,223 hours and 2,333 hours total time, respectively. Both engines had accumulated 105 hours since overhaul. The airplane was equipped and had current inspections for flight under instrument flight rules.
Meteorological Conditions
Both witnesses recalled that there was no precipitation at the time of the accident. One witness added that it was "very dark." Sunset occurred at 1707 on the day of the accident and civil twilight ended at 1741. The moon had set at 1328 and did not rise again until 0249 the following day.
Airport Information
Beaver Island Airport (SJX) is located on Beaver Island, Michigan. No additional airport details were provided in the source.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The fuselage was fragmented consistent with impact forces. The wings were separated from the fuselage at the roots and both engines had separated from their respective wing pylons. The horizontal stabilizers remained attached to the aft fuselage section; however, the vertical stabilizer was separated at the root. The fragmented debris was located along the impact path from the vicinity of the initial tree strike to the main wreckage.
A post-recovery examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. No evidence of an in-flight structural failure was observed.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy, performed on behalf of the Charlevoix County Medical Examiner, attributed the pilot's death to multiple blunt injuries sustained in the accident. Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified atorvastatin in liver tissue. Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed to lower blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels and is not considered to be impairing.