What happened
On March 7, 2026, at approximately 19:00 CST, a Beechcraft A36, registration N66519, crashed into the water near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, traveling from Flagler Executive Airport (FIN) in Palm Coast, Florida, to Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA).
During the flight, the aircraft climbed to 6,000 feet MSL and began a gradual descent to 1,500 feet as it passed Pensacola, Florida. While under the direction of Pensacola approach control, the pilot was instructed to turn right to a heading of 060° and maintain 1,600 feet for the RNAV runway 9 approach. The pilot reported weak radio reception during these communications.
After being cleared for the approach, the pilot began a right turn but ceased the maneuver at a heading of approximately 050°, subsequently flying through the final approach course. Air traffic control instructed the pilot to turn to a heading of 110° to rejoin the course. Following this, the aircraft entered a descending right turn, leveled briefly at 800 feet, and then entered a tightening left turn and climb to 1,300 feet before transitioning into a steep descending turn. The aircraft impacted the water at a ground speed of approximately 165 knots on a heading between 300° and 324°.
The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries.