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).
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.