On September 11, 1985, a Cessna 404 Titan (registration N128SP) operated by Opex Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Hayesville, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: miscellaneous/other during cruise - normal; finding: aircraft handling. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water during descent - uncontrolled; findings: terrain mountainous/hilly, aircraft unattended/engine(s) running -… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A fisherman heard an aircraft overhead at night, then saw a flash and fire on a mountain. Investigators found a crashed aircraft with no occupants. The next morning, a man's body with a parachute and the aircraft key was found miles away.
Incident Overview
A fisherman reported hearing an aircraft overhead in the night sky but could not see it due to darkness. Shortly after, the fisherman observed a flash and fire on the side of a mountain, followed by an explosion. The sheriff’s office was notified, and an investigation revealed the wreckage of a crashed aircraft at the site. No signs of any occupants were found in or near the aircraft.
Discovery of the Parachutist
The following morning, the body of a heavily armed man was discovered in a residential area several miles from the crash site. The man was wearing a parachute, and his reserve parachute had been deployed. A key to the crashed aircraft was found on his body.
Official Findings
The official probable cause listing includes three occurrences:
Occurrence #1: Miscellaneous/other during cruise (normal phase); finding: aircraft handling.
Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water during descent (uncontrolled phase); findings: mountainous/hilly terrain, and the aircraft was unattended with engine(s) running intentionally by the pilot.
Occurrence #3: Fire/explosion during an unspecified other phase.
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