No fatalities

Aircraft crash near Kenansville (N8432N)

Kenansville, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 23, 1979, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N8432N) operated by Aero Facilities Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Kenansville, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed under unknown circumstances near Kenansville, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the loss of the pilot.

What happened

A twin engine aircraft was involved in a fatal accident in the vicinity of Kenansville. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was reportedly participating in an unauthorized flight involving the transport of narcotics. The plane crashed in an area where the specific circumstances surrounding the descent remain unidentified. Upon impact, the aircraft was completely destroyed.

Following the crash, search efforts were conducted, but the pilot was not recovered from the wreckage. No other occupants or injury counts have been officially confirmed beyond the missing pilot.

Findings

Investigations into the crash have not yet yielded a definitive explanation for the impact. While the aircraft was engaged in an illegal mission involving drug trafficking, investigators have not established a direct link between the cargo and the mechanical or operational failure of the plane.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Kenansville, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crashed under unknown circumstances near Kenansville, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the loss of the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 1979 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 1979 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration N8432N, operated by Aero Facilities Corporation, at Kenansville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the accident could not be determined.