5 fatalities

Accident at Bordelonville-Brumfield Airstrip: Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Trees and Crashes into Farm Building (N37JR)

Bordelonville-Brumfield, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 19, 1978, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N37JR) operated by David Brumfield was involved in an aviation accident near Bordelonville-Brumfield, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees during initial climb after the pilot misjudged distance, speed and altitude. The following contributing factors were reported: - Airport conditions: soft runway, - High obstructions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft departing a soft runway at Bordelonville-Brumfield Airstrip struck trees and crashed into a farm building. One passenger was seriously injured; five other occupants were killed.

Accident Description

A twin-engine airplane departed from a soft runway at Bordelonville-Brumfield Airstrip. After liftoff, the aircraft encountered difficulties gaining height. It struck trees and subsequently crashed into a farm building. One passenger was seriously injured, and the five other occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with trees during initial climb after the pilot misjudged distance, speed, and altitude. Contributing factors reported included airport conditions (soft runway) and high obstructions.