Accident Details
On August 20, 2024, at approximately 0700 central daylight time, a Cessna 550 airplane, registration N689VP, was destroyed in an accident near Odessa, Texas. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries, and one person on the ground was seriously injured.
Flight and Impact
The airplane departed Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer Field (ODO) from runway 16. A pilot-certificated witness reported hearing the airplane's engines, which sounded unusual, prompting him to observe the aircraft. He saw the airplane flying down the last third of the 5,003-foot-long runway at approximately 10 feet above ground level in a near level attitude. The airplane then collided with power lines and a restaurant building.
Post-Impact Examination
Impact signatures indicated that the airplane struck power lines and a one-story restaurant. The right main landing gear sheared off and became entangled in the building's roof. The airplane came to rest about 150 yards south of the restaurant, having impacted two garage areas. A post-impact fire ensued, consuming the majority of the airplane.
Remnants and Components
Remnants of all primary flight controls were located at the accident site. The parking brake valve was recovered and found in the disengaged position. A cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was located in the wreckage and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board vehicle recorders lab for download.
Further Investigation
The airplane was retained for further examination.