6 fatalities

Loss of Control and In-Flight Breakup Near Brick Township (N456WM)

Brick Township, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 16, 1973, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration N456WM) operated by Playpen South was involved in an aviation accident near Brick Township, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed near Brick Township after the pilot exceeded stress limits, with in-flight separation of wings and tail. All six occupants were killed. The pilot had alcohol impairment.

Accident

While cruising at a relatively low altitude, a twin-engine airplane entered a series of hazardous maneuvers. Control was lost, and the aircraft crashed near Brick Township. The airplane was totally destroyed. All six occupants were killed.

Investigation

The investigation revealed that the pilot had exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft. Factors reported included the pilot's physical impairment and alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment. The pilot's alcohol level was measured at 1.05‰ in tissue fluid. The accident sequence involved an in-flight separation of the wings and tail after a series of steep dives and pull-ups, resulting in an overload failure.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is that the pilot exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1973 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident near Brick Township, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crashed near Brick Township after the pilot exceeded stress limits, with in-flight separation of wings and tail. All six occupants were killed. The pilot had alcohol impairment.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1973 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1973 involved a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air, registration N456WM, operated by Playpen South, at Brick Township, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft.