Introduction
On March 4, 2008, at approximately 1515 central standard time, a Cessna 500, registration N113SH, crashed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The aircraft entered a steep descent and impacted terrain about two minutes after departing from Wiley Post Airport (PWA).
Flight Details
The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 with an instrument flight rules flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The intended destination was Mankato Regional Airport in Mankato, Minnesota. The flight originated from the ramp of Interstate Helicopters, a Part 135 on-demand helicopter operator based at PWA. The aircraft carried company executives employed by United Engines and United Holdings, LLC.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft, a Cessna 500, was registered to Southwest Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic PC of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. No entity associated with the flight claimed to be its operator. On board were the pilot, a second pilot, and three passengers. All five occupants were killed. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by wing-structure damage sustained during impact with one or more large birds (American white pelicans), which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.