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2 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Stalls and Crashes in Night Traffic Pattern (N70GC)

Arcadia, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 19, 1979, a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air (registration N70GC) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall following engine failure for unknown reasons. The following findings were reported: - Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons, - Complete failure two engines, - Forced landing off airport on land, - Fire after impact, - Marijuana stakeout. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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 stalled and crashed in flames while in a night traffic pattern, killing both occupants. The probable cause is a stall following engine failure of undetermined reasons, with complete failure of both engines.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine airplane was operating in a traffic pattern at night when it stalled and subsequently crashed, resulting in a post-impact fire. Both occupants were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The official probable cause of the accident was a stall following an engine failure for unknown reasons. The investigation reported the following findings:

  • Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons
  • Complete failure of both engines
  • Forced landing off airport on land
  • Fire after impact
  • Marijuana stakeout

The exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1979 Beechcraft 65 Queen Air accident near Arcadia, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed in flames while in a night traffic pattern, killing both occupants. The probable cause is a stall following engine failure of undetermined reasons, with complete failure of both engines.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Mar 1979 Beechcraft 65 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1979 involved a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air, registration N70GC, operated by Private United States of America, at Arcadia, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall following engine failure for unknown reasons. The following findings were reported: - Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons, - Complete failure two engines, - Forced landing off airport on land, - Fire after impact, - Marijuana stakeout.

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