FlightFinder
Check my flight
5 fatalities

Fatal Test Flight Crash Near Moisant Airport (N256TM)

Ruddock, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 18, 1977, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (registration N256TM) operated by Tidewater Marine Services was involved in an aviation accident near Ruddock, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Unauthorized flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into water near Ruddock during an unauthorized evening test flight from New Orleans-Moisant, killing all five occupants. The exact cause was undetermined.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft departed from New Orleans-Moisant Airport in the evening for a local test flight. The flight was later identified as unauthorized. During the operation, the aircraft went out of control under unknown circumstances. ## Crash Location and Impact The aircraft crashed into a body of water near Ruddock, located approximately 16.7 miles northwest of Moisant Airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. ## Casualties and Official Findings All five occupants on board were killed in the accident. The official investigation concluded that the exact cause of the accident could not be determined, though the flight was confirmed to be unauthorized.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Unauthorized flight.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 1977 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident near Ruddock, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into water near Ruddock during an unauthorized evening test flight from New Orleans-Moisant, killing all five occupants. The exact cause was undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 1977 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 1977 involved a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, registration N256TM, operated by Tidewater Marine Services, at Ruddock, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Unauthorized flight.

More accident analyses