On January 23, 1979, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N5NW) operated by WMD Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Searcy, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall on level off/touchdown after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors: failed to initiate go-around, not aligned with runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed during the final approach to Searcy Municipal Airport. The three occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Accident Overview
During the final segment of an approach to Searcy Municipal Airport, a twin-engine airplane entered a stall and subsequently crashed. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All three occupants escaped the wreckage with minor injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident was a stall during the level-off/touchdown phase, resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed.
Contributing Factors
Two contributing factors were identified: the pilot failed to initiate a go-around, and the aircraft was not aligned with the runway at the time of the stall.
What happened in the 23 Jan 1979 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Searcy, United States of America?
A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed during the final approach to Searcy Municipal Airport. The three occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 1979 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jan 1979 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N5NW, operated by WMD Inc., at Searcy, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Stall on level off/touchdown after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors: failed to initiate go-around, not aligned with runway.
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