On October 26, 1981, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N114K) operated by Butler-Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Mineral Wells, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Airframe failure during initial climb after the left wing detached. Contributing factors included inadequate design by production-design personnel, deficiencies in rules/regulations/standards, failure of wing attachment fittings and bolts, fatigue fracture,… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After takeoff from Mineral Wells, the airplane banked left during initial climb, lost altitude, and crashed in a field, igniting a fire. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed. Investigation determined the left wing detached due to airframe failure.
Accident Details
After departing from Mineral Wells, the aircraft was in initial climb when it began banking to the left. It subsequently lost altitude and impacted terrain in a field, bursting into flames. The pilot, the only person on board, was killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an airframe failure during initial climb, specifically the detachment of the left wing. Contributing factors included: poor or inadequate design by production-design personnel; issues with rules, regulations, and standards personnel; problems with the airframe wing attachment fittings and bolts; fatigue fracture; corrosion; in-flight wing separation; lack of adequate inspection procedures required by the company or FAA; and corrosion cracks found on the left wing lower attachment bolt.