What happened
On June 14, 2025, a Beechcraft 58, registration N82UC, crashed near Tabor City, North Carolina, resulting in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger. The aircraft was operating as a private flight under Part 91 regulations.
The flight departed from Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport/Simpson Field (SPA) in South Carolina, enroute to Grand Strand Airport (CRE) in North Myrtle Beach. During the flight, the instrument-rated pilot communicated with Myrtle Beach TRACON to request a heading change to avoid heavy weather. After being cleared for an ILS approach to runway 23, the pilot abandoned the approach while descending through 800 feet mean sea level (msl) due to heavy precipitation.
The pilot requested a diversion to Florence Regional Airport (FLO) and was provided a heading of 350° and an instruction to maintain 3,000 feet msl. Approximately five nautical miles into the diversion, the aircraft began a steady descent. While at 3,000 feet msl, the aircraft's groundspeed increased from 160 to approximately 235 knots as it descended. Following a period of no direct communication with air traffic control, radar contact was lost. ADS-B data showed the descent rate increased significantly, reaching a peak of -4,500 feet per minute.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at the destination included heavy thunderstorms, rain, and mist, with visibility reported at 3/4 mile and winds gusting to 27 knots.
The investigation
The aircraft impacted a remote, densely wooded area containing 75-foot-tall pine trees. The wreckage path spanned 468 feet, and the airplane was extremely fragmented, with all major components, including the engine assemblies and flight control surfaces, separated by impact.
Investigators noted the following during the examination of the wreckage:
- The initial impact occurred at the tops of the trees, with damage progressing down to the terrain.
- There was no fire at the scene, though the odor of aviation fuel was present.
- Flight control cables exhibited features consistent with tensile overload.
- Both engines separated from their firewalls and sustained significant impact damage.
- Both propeller assemblies showed signs of impact and rotational damage.
- Two data cards from the Garmin G1000 unit were recovered for examination.
No indications of flight control anomalies were discovered during the site examination.