On February 16, 1972, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N80398) operated by Hankins Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson-Reynolds Field, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine during initial climb for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane crashed in flames shortly after a night takeoff from Jackson-Reynolds Airport. Both occupants were killed. Investigators cited right engine failure and multiple factors including ice and inadequate preparation.
Accident
A twin-engine airplane crashed in flames shortly after a night takeoff from Jackson-Reynolds Airport. The aircraft was in its initial climb when it banked right and impacted the ground. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the right engine during initial climb for an undetermined reason. Several contributing factors were reported:
Inadequate preflight preparation
Failure to obtain or maintain flying speed
Airframe ice
Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain
Evidence of little power on the right engine
An observer reported seeing ice on the aircraft before and after the accident
Cargo was not secured
These findings indicate that combination of mechanical failure and environmental conditions played a role in the accident sequence.
What happened in the 16 Feb 1972 Beechcraft D18 accident near Jackson-Reynolds Field, United States of America?
A twin-engine airplane crashed in flames shortly after a night takeoff from Jackson-Reynolds Airport. Both occupants were killed. Investigators cited right engine failure and multiple factors including ice and inadequate preparation.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1972 Beechcraft D18 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1972 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N80398, operated by Hankins Airways, at Jackson-Reynolds Field, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the right engine during initial climb for undetermined reason.
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