20240126000329A

On January 26, 2024 at about 0726 local time a Beechcraft BE-99 aircraft impacted the ground under unknown circumstances in Londonderry, NH in the area of colonial drive. There were no fatalities and aircraft was destroyed on impact. The PIC and sole occupant sustained serious injuries. The accident was originally reported by boston approach. The aircraft was operated by wiggins airways as a part 135 air cargo flight from manchester boston regional airport (mht) to presque isle airport (pqi).

The aircraft came to rest in a wooded area between high tension powerlines and a residential area. The aircraft main fuselage and cabin final rest was oriented southeast with a debris field extending about 200 feet north west through the wooded area. The outer portions of each wing, elevator, and rudder were found in the debris field prior to the main fuselage. A support wire and fiberoptic cable were both severed on the transmission lines and numerous trees indicated impact damage from the airplane. Based on the damage to trees along the debris field a high angle of entry was evident.

Both propellers were attached to their engines and damage to each of the three prop blades was consistent with propeller rotation on impact. The main landing gear was still attached and in the retracted position. The elevator trim actuator and linkage was located and exhibited no evidence of any pre-impact damage. A large amount of fuel was evident in the standing water and in the immediate area of the main fuselage.

The cockpit door was not located at the scene but was located about 8 miles north of the accident scene in a residential area. Damage to the upper hinges of the door was consistent with damage to the fuselage where the hinges attached. The door was a single piece door hinged at the top with a latching mechanism in the fuselage. After aircraft recovery, the door was replaced and functionality of the inside and outside door latch handles and mechanism was confirmed. No damage to the latching mechanism was evident. A small crew ladder designed for entry into the cockpit via the cockpit door was found leaning against the left engine nacelle; this is normally stored in the cockpit behind the seats during flight.

Weather at mht at 0655 hours was 4 miles, calm wind, light rain and mist, with a ceiling of 900 ft, temperature 2C and dewpoint 0C. Weather at 0748 hours was 3 miles, calm wind, rain and mist, ceiling at 1,000 ft, temperature 2C and dewpoint 0C.

According to ATC data the aircraft departed manchester airport at 1210Z with an initial climb to 3,000 ft MSL to a point about 4 miles northeast of the airport. This was the same approximate location that the cockpit door was found. At that time the aircraft made a left descending turn losing 2,000 ft in about 20 seconds and accelerating to 250 KTS. The aircraft made several more abrupt and uncontrolled maneuvers before becoming relatively stable. After continuing flight until about 1224Z the aircraft made a left descending turn heading south to 700 ft continuing until radar contact was lost. Only one transmission was made by the aircraft after the climbout which was a call at 1217Z. The radio call was largely unintelligible but included the words “ILS 35”.

A potential contributing factor in this event was pilot training conducted by the operator. A review of available records indicated that the PIC did not receive required differences training in the accident aircraft. Additionally, the flight and ground instructor providing training to the PIC in the accident aircraft did not have complete instructor training records and received only 3 of 14 required ground training modules required and did not complete the flight training module for instructors required by the approved training program. Additionally, the check pilot providing the pic’s qualification flight did not have completed documentation showing the completion of the initial check pilot ground and flight training required.