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2 fatalities

Fatal Twin-Engine Crash at Middletown-Summit Airpark (N830K)

Middletown, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 28, 1967, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N830K) operated by Manor Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Middletown, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Lower cap of left wing failed approximately 8 inches outboard of the outer panel attach point, causing the left wing to detach. Fatigue fracture. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Middletown-Summit Airpark, killing both occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to a fatigue fracture that caused the left wing to detach.

Accident Overview and Immediate Aftermath A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a large explosion shortly after taking off from Middletown-Summit Airpark. The accident occurred while the aircraft was in its initial climb. The aircraft banked to the left before striking the ground. Both occupants were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed. The source does not identify the specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or date of the accident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the lower cap of the left wing failed approximately 8 inches outboard of the outer panel attach point. This structural failure caused the left wing to detach from the aircraft. The investigation identified fatigue fracture as the cause of the wing cap failure.

Probable cause

Lower cap of left wing failed approximately 8 inches outboard of the outer panel attach point, causing the left wing to detach. Fatigue fracture.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Feb 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Middletown, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Middletown-Summit Airpark, killing both occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to a fatigue fracture that caused the left wing to detach.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Feb 1967 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Feb 1967 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N830K, operated by Manor Aviation, at Middletown, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Lower cap of left wing failed approximately 8 inches outboard of the outer panel attach point, causing the left wing to detach. Fatigue fracture.

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