On September 3, 2022, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N342ER) operated by Southeast Aviation (MS) was involved in an aviation accident near Gravestown, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The uncertificated pilot’s criminal act of stealing the airplane and later performing an off-airport landing that resulted in an impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An uncertificated pilot stole an airplane from Tupelo Airport with intent to crash it into a department store. After flying for several hours, he performed an off-airport landing in a field 32 miles away, substantially damaging the fuselage.
Incident Overview
An uncertificated pilot stole an airplane at Tupelo Airport. The pilot intended to crash the airplane into a department store located approximately 2 miles southeast of the airport. Instead of proceeding directly to the target, the pilot continued to fly the airplane in the area for several hours.
Off-Airport Landing
After an extended flight, the pilot performed an off-airport landing in a field situated 32 miles northwest of the departure airport. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the uncertificated pilot’s criminal act of stealing the airplane and later performing an off-airport landing that resulted in an impact with terrain.