On June 7, 2020, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N44MX) operated by McNeely Charter Service was involved in an aviation accident near Sioux Falls, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A turbine-powered multiengine airplane, on a night cross-country flight, veered right during takeoff, rolled right, and impacted the ground. The pilot had been on duty for over 19 hours, violating rest regulations. No mechanical issues were found, and the reason for loss of control could not be determined.
Accident Overview
A turbine-powered multiengine airplane departed on a cross-country flight at night under visual meteorological conditions. Recovered GPS data showed the airplane drifted to the right of the runway centerline during takeoff. Video footage captured the airplane rolling right shortly after liftoff, followed by a nose drop and impact with the ground. The aircraft came to rest on its left side, with both wings separated and the fuselage highly fragmented forward of the main landing gear.
Flight Data and Witness Accounts
A witness who spoke to the pilot shortly before the accident reported that the pilot exhibited difficulty completing some paperwork. However, no medical explanation for this difficulty could be determined from the available evidence. The investigation found that the pilot had been on duty for approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes at the time of the accident, exceeding duty and rest regulations. If the flight had reached its destination, the pilot would have accumulated about 20 hours and 54 minutes of duty time. Investigators could not determine whether the pilot had used an opportunity for rest earlier in the day, leaving the role of fatigue unknown.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engines revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Despite extensive analysis, investigators were unable to determine the reason for the loss of control during takeoff. The probable cause was officially listed as the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Jun 2020 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Sioux Falls, United States of America?
A turbine-powered multiengine airplane, on a night cross-country flight, veered right during takeoff, rolled right, and impacted the ground. The pilot had been on duty for over 19 hours, violating rest regulations. No mechanical issues were found, and the reason for loss of control could not be determined.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 2020 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jun 2020 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N44MX, operated by McNeely Charter Service, at Sioux Falls, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.