Beech Baron Crash
On January 14, 2024, a Beechcraft 95-B-55 airplane, registration N7345R, met with a devastating fate near Leyden, Massachusetts, resulting in substantial damage and the loss of three lives. The occupants, including a flight instructor apparently instructing a commercial pilot and a passenger in the back seat, also an instructor, suffered fatal injuries. The aircraft operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight, tragically ended its journey in a terrain impact.
According to preliminary findings from Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) radar data, the aircraft took off from runway 20 at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF) in Westfield/Springfield, Massachusetts, around 1106 EST. Subsequently, it executed a 180-degree left turn toward the north-northeast, climbing to an altitude ranging from 3,000 to 3,300 feet mean sea level (MSL). Over the course of its flight, the aircraft performed four alternating 360-degree turns while maintaining a northbound trajectory. After the fourth turn, the aircraft initiated a climb, reaching approximately 4,000 feet msl, followed by a rapid descent that concluded at 1125.
The aircraft was not under air traffic control supervision during its flight, and no radio communications were recorded. Eyewitness accounts provide insight into the moments preceding the tragic crash. Witnesses observed the aircraft's erratic flight behavior, including attempts to gain altitude before abruptly descending in a spiral motion. One witness described the aircraft's engine as being loud and clunky, with noticeable fluctuations in RPMs.
The aircraft's impact occurred within the Leyden Wildlife Management Area, with the wreckage on a hill facing a magnetic heading of about 260 degrees. Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of airframe icing on various components, including the leading edges of both wings and horizontal stabilizers, engine nacelles, and propeller blades.
Weather conditions at Orange Municipal Airport (ORE), approximately 12 miles east of the accident site, reported wind from 220 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 23 knots, visibility of 10 miles, and broken clouds at 4,600 feet above ground level. Additionally, AIRMETs were issued for moderate icing conditions, and a SIGMET highlighted occasional severe turbulence between 3,000 and 16,000 feet (MSL) due to strong low-level winds.
The wreckage has been recovered for further examination, with the investigation being classified as Class 3. Investigators, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Textron representatives, are working to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
As this information remains preliminary and subject to change, the aviation community awaits further insights into the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Unfortunately, there are no “black boxes” on this aircraft. No cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder. As such, the exact cause of the accident may never be known. We can only posit some educated guesses as to what “might” have conspired.
The first thing that struck me was the crash site photo. The aircraft silhouette was evident, and all the major components were visible. News reports stated, “The disposition of the wreckage was consistent with the airplane landing in a relatively flat position with little forward movement. Both wings and their respective engines and propeller systems remained attached to the fuselage”. For this to have happened, the aircraft must have hit the ground in a flat trajectory, almost pancaking into the ground. How could this happen?
I think the most likely scenario is a flat spin. A flat spin refers to a type of spin where the aircraft's rotation is nearly horizontal, and the wings are close to level with the horizon. A flat spin may occur due to various factors, including an uncoordinated stall or loss of control during flight. Suppose the aircraft experiences an abrupt and uncoordinated maneuver, such as a sharp turn or abrupt pitch change, without sufficient airspeed or proper coordination of flight controls. In that case, it may enter a stall condition. An aerodynamic stall occurs when the wings' attack angle exceeds the critical angle, causing a loss of lift. If one wing stalls before the other due to asymmetrical airflow or control inputs, it can lead to an unbalanced condition. As the aircraft stalls, one wing may drop more than the other, initiating a spin. In a flat spin scenario, the aircraft's rotation axis becomes nearly horizontal, and the descent is predominantly rotational rather than vertical.
Flat spins are particularly challenging to recover from due to the horizontal orientation and high rotation rate. Recovery typically requires specific techniques, such as applying the opposite rudder and forward pressure on the yoke to force the nose down to regain flying airspeed. It is also necessary to have sufficient altitude to regain control.
As noted below on the aircraft's flight path diagram, they were obviously doing training. Numerous 360-degree turns were made. Were they practicing slow-speed flight maneuvering? Were they doing engine out work? This would seem likely, as why else be in a twin? Either of these scenarios could have led to an uncoordinated stall, resulting in a spin.
Another very curious item was the icing on the wings and empennage. This is puzzling as they don’t appear to have flown into any weather. The ceiling was reported to be about 5,000 feet, and they never reached that altitude, according to (ADS-B) radar data. Perhaps they flew into some freezing rain or virga, although I read no reports of such. Only the AIRMET for icing conditions and a SIGMET highlighted occasional severe turbulence. But no matter how they got the icing, it would have increased the speed required to maintain controlled flight.
The investigation into the Beechcraft 95-B-55 airplane crash near Leyden, Massachusetts, on January 14, 2024, is ongoing, with authorities examining various factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Preliminary findings suggest the possibility of a flat spin, potentially initiated during training maneuvers. The presence of airframe icing despite reported weather conditions raises questions about flight preparation and awareness. The legal realm may focus on ensuring accountability and implementing safety measures rather than assigning blame. Legal proceedings could involve determining liability, supporting the victims' families, and reinforcing aviation safety protocols. Legal considerations will likely center on promoting transparency, accountability, and prevention in aviation training operations as investigations continue.
