4 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes on Golf Course After Dual Engine Failure (N5000S)

Macon, United States of AmericaFlight

On October 17, 1969, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N5000S) operated by Massey Ferguson was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines failed in normal cruise following the combination of the following factors: - Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls, - Oil starvation, - Improper emergency procedures, - Complete failure both engines, - Fire after impact, - Oil… 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.

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

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a golf course near Macon after both engines failed. The pilot attempted an emergency landing but the aircraft was destroyed; all four occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft was in normal cruise flight when both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed in flames on a golf course near Macon. The impact and subsequent fire totally destroyed the aircraft, and all four occupants were killed.

Probable Cause Findings

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was both engines failing in normal cruise due to a combination of factors: improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls, oil starvation, improper emergency procedures, complete failure of both engines, and a post-impact fire. Additionally, the oil shut-off valve to the right engine was found partly closed, while the left engine's valve was closed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1969 Beechcraft D18 accident near Macon, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a golf course near Macon after both engines failed. The pilot attempted an emergency landing but the aircraft was destroyed; all four occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 1969 Beechcraft D18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 1969 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N5000S, operated by Massey Ferguson, at Macon, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Both engines failed in normal cruise following the combination of the following factors: - Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls, - Oil starvation, - Improper emergency procedures, - Complete failure both engines, - Fire after impact, - Oil shut off valve to right engine found partly closed, left…