Nighttime takeoff accident involving multiengine turbine aircraft

1 fatality • Sioux Falls, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A turbine-powered multiengine airplane crashed during takeoff at night, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft following a loss of control.

What happened

During a night flight conducted under visual meteorological conditions, a turbine-powered, multiengine airplane experienced a loss of control during the takeoff phase. GPS data retrieved from the wreckage indicated that the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway centerline while accelerating. Video evidence captured the moment the aircraft rolled to the right and the nose descended, leading to a ground impact. The collision caused the fuselage to fragment extensively forward of the main landing gear, and both wings were separated from the airframe. The wreckage eventually came to rest on its left side.

Findings

Post-accident inspections of the engines and the airframe revealed no mechanical failures or anomalies that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally. While a witness noted the pilot had struggled with paperwork prior to the flight, investigators could not find medical evidence to explain this behavior. However, the investigation confirmed that the pilot had been on duty for approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes at the time of the crash, which violated established duty and rest regulations. By the time the flight was scheduled to reach its destination, the pilot's duty time would have reached nearly 21 hours. Although the pilot had the opportunity for rest during the day, investigators could not confirm if it was taken, leaving the specific role of fatigue undetermined. Ultimately, the reason for the loss of control during takeoff could not be established with the available data.

Probable cause

The specific cause of the loss of control during takeoff remains undetermined, though the pilot was operating in violation of duty and rest regulations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-06-07 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Sioux Falls, United States of America?

A turbine-powered multiengine airplane crashed during takeoff at night, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft following a loss of control.

Were there any fatalities in the 2020-06-07 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 2020-06-07 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 specific cause of the loss of control during takeoff remains undetermined, though the pilot was operating in violation of duty and rest regulations.

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