Beechcraft BE-23 N2354J

Summary

On 26 July 2007 at about 22:17 local time, a Beechcraft BE-23 registered N2354J was involved in an accident near Science Hill, Kentucky, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 July 2007 at 22:17

Classification

Accident

Location

Science Hill, Kentucky, United States

Coordinates

37.2014, -84.5936

Aircraft

Beechcraft BE-23

Registration

N2354J

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Morristown → Frankfort

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC07LA177

1 person died.

A loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane crashed in a wooded area and the pilot was fatally injured. There were no witnesses to the actual accident. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Examination of the propeller revealed little or no chordwise damage and the blades were bent aft, consistent with little or no rotation at impact. Evidence of some water contamination and corrosion was noted in the fuel sump, fuel boost pump, and carburetor, but the investigation could not determine if this led to a loss of engine power. Additionally, the fuel selector valve was found midway between the left and right tanks, but a determination could not be made if this was done prior to impact, or if it would have led to a loss of engine power. The pilot had not obtained a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate since 1984, and his medical history included diabetes, congestive heart failure, multiple coronary stents, and the emplacement of a defibrillator/pacemaker. His serious heart disease would have put him at high risk of impairment, incapacitation, or distraction. Toxicology testing revealed the presence of gabapentin and carvedilol in the blood and urine. Gabapentin, an antiseizure medication that is also used to treat chronic pain, has been shown to have some adverse psychomotor effects. Despite the pilot's medical history and toxicology, the investigation could not positively determine whether the pilot was impaired at the time of the accident. Examination of the airplane, airplane systems, engine, and propeller showed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.