Accident Overview
On October 1, 2024, at approximately 1540 eastern daylight time, a Beech 95-B55 aircraft, registration N5868S, was destroyed when it collided with terrain near Crystal River, Florida. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses at a maintenance facility at Crystal River Airport (CGC), Crystal River, Florida, heard the accident pilot transmit a distress call over the airport’s common traffic advisory frequency. The pilot identified the airplane as “68S” and requested the location of the airport, citing visual reference to two large cooling towers. One witness informed the pilot that the airport was located 7 to 10 nautical miles southeast of his position. Shortly after, the pilot transmitted a second call, again asking for the distance to the airport.
About 1550, the pilot of another airplane observed black smoke and diverted to the area. That pilot located the accident site about 4 nautical miles northwest of CGC and reported the accident airplane was engulfed in smoke and fire.
A witness on a boat in the Crystal River area reported seeing the accident airplane flying low and fast, with both engines operating normally. The airplane’s left wing dipped sharply, and it entered a spiraling descent. The airplane completed two revolutions before descending behind trees, followed by a plume of smoke and an explosion.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane came to rest in a heavily wooded, swampy area about 4 nautical miles northwest of CGC. All major components were located at the accident site. The cockpit and instrument panel were destroyed by impact forces and postimpact fire. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage and showed significant impact and fire damage.
Engine Examination
The left engine remained attached to the wing and exhibited impact and fire damage. A 10-inch hole was observed on the engine crankcase above the No. 5 cylinder. The Nos. 5 and 6 connecting rods were separated from their pistons, and broken connecting rod fragments were located inside the engine case. The propeller had separated from the crankshaft flange and appeared to be in a feathered position.
The right engine also remained attached to the wing and showed signs of impact and fire damage. No evidence of catastrophic failure was observed. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange and exhibited rotational scoring and gradual aft bending.
Recovery
The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.