On August 21, 1967, a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air (registration N343NF) operated by National Flights Services was involved in an aviation accident near Sparta, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Powerplant failure for undetermined reason. The pilot failed to abort the takeoff procedure. 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.
During takeoff at Sparta-Miller Airport, one engine lost power. The pilot continued takeoff for unknown reasons. The airplane struck trees and crashed, killing all five occupants. The aircraft was destroyed.
Accident Details
The accident sequence began during the takeoff roll at Sparta-Miller Airport. As the airplane accelerated down the runway, one of its engines lost power. For reasons that have not been determined, the pilot elected to continue the takeoff rather than abort. After becoming airborne, the airplane struggled to gain altitude. It subsequently collided with trees and crashed in a wooded area. The impact destroyed the aircraft. All five occupants of the airplane were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Investigators from the relevant aviation authority conducted an inquiry into the accident. Their official findings stated the probable cause as follows: Powerplant failure for undetermined reason, and the pilot failed to abort the takeoff procedure. No additional causal factors were identified in the report.