History of the Flight
On Saturday, 29 May 2010, at 11:45 local time, the pilot of a Beechcraft E55 Baron was scheduled to compete in an air race that afternoon. He had flown the course that morning and planned to continue practicing. After refueling with 207 liters, he prepared for takeoff from runway 02 at San Luis Aerodrome in Menorca. The aircraft carried the pilot and one passenger.
After takeoff, the pilot turned left to follow scatter points on the course at approximately 200 feet above ground level. He then initiated another left turn to line up with the second scatter point. During this turn, the left bank angle approached 90 degrees, and the aircraft struck the ground, exploding and engulfing in flames.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries. The fire scorched an area of 50 square meters, which was extinguished by emergency personnel.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a Beechcraft E55 Baron (registration N-554RB), was manufactured in 1978 and privately owned. It was powered by two Continental IO-520-C engines. The pilot, aged 60, held a UK Private Pilot’s License with multiengine rating and a FAI license. He had 2,255 total flight hours, with 138 hours on the type.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
Eyewitnesses reported good visibility and wind from the north at about 10 knots. San Luis Aerodrome has a single asphalt runway (02/20) of 1,850 m length at 167 ft elevation.
Wreckage and Fire
The aircraft impacted 250 m from the runway centerline. The main wreckage lay along the north-south flight path, heavily damaged by fire. Instruments and parts were found in shrubs not affected by the fire.
Eyewitness Accounts
A private pilot and member of the Menorca Aeroclub reported the aircraft made a very sharp turn with a bank angle exceeding 45 degrees (almost 90), after which it descended to impact. Another witness noted the aircraft was at low altitude (approximately 200 ft) during the turns. Emergency personnel arrived two minutes after the crash and confirmed the occupants had died.
Fuel Analysis
Fuel samples from the tanker showed 100 LL fuel slightly out of specification, but the deviations were not considered significant. No microbiological contamination was found.