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Engine Fire Leads to Loss of Control and Crash After Takeoff from Lexington (N3727G)

Lexington-Blue Grass, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On April 3, 1967, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N3727G) operated by Lexington Air Taxi was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington-Blue Grass, United States of America during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent following a fire of undetermined origin that occurred in area of left engine nacelle during climb-out. At the time of the accident, the airplane was improperly loaded, which was considered as a contributing factor. 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

Shortly after takeoff, a fire in the left engine prompted an emergency landing attempt. Control was lost during the turn, resulting in a crash that killed all nine aboard.

Accident Overview

On a departure from Lexington-Blue Grass Airport, the aircraft experienced a fire in the left engine during the initial climb. The pilot initiated a return for an emergency landing. While turning back toward the airport, control of the airplane was lost. The aircraft entered a dive and struck the ground in a field, erupting in a large explosion.

Occupants

The aircraft carried nine people: pilot Robert Yonk and eight passengers. The passengers included Dr. Richard Schweet, Dr. R. C. Simonini, Dr. Jerome Cohn, Dr. S. O. Navarro, G. Reynolds Watkins, Richard H. Southwood Jr., Dr. Arnold Salop, and Max Horn. All nine occupants were killed.

Official Findings

Investigators determined the probable cause to be an uncontrolled descent following a fire of undetermined origin that occurred in the area of the left engine nacelle during climb-out. A contributing factor was that the airplane was improperly loaded at the time of the accident.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Lexington-Blue Grass, United States of America?

Shortly after takeoff, a fire in the left engine prompted an emergency landing attempt. Control was lost during the turn, resulting in a crash that killed all nine aboard.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 1967 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N3727G, operated by Lexington Air Taxi, at Lexington-Blue Grass, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Uncontrolled descent following a fire of undetermined origin that occurred in area of left engine nacelle during climb-out. At the time of the accident, the airplane was improperly loaded, which was considered as a contributing factor.

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