On the evening of October 7, 2024, a Beechcraft C99 Commuter, operated by
Ameriflight LLC, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Norfolk
Regional Airport in Nebraska.
Detailed Report on Ameriflight Beechcraft C99 Crash
- Date: October 7, 2024
- Time: Approximately 19:38 Local Time (LT)
- Aircraft Type: Beechcraft C99 Commuter (cargo modification)
- Registration: N130GP
- Serial Number (MSN): U-222
- Year of Manufacture: 1984
- Owner/Operator: Ameriflight, LLC
- Flight Number: AMF1685
- Fatalities: 1 (pilot)
- Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
- Phase of Flight: Initial climb
- Nature of Flight: Cargo
-
Departure Airport: Norfolk Regional Airport/Karl Stefan Memorial Field
(OFK/KOFK), Norfolk, Nebraska
-
Destination Airport: Omaha-Eppley Airfield (OMA/KOMA), Omaha, Nebraska
- Investigating Agency: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
-
Confidence Rating: Preliminary information from news and social media
sources, but the accident occurred
On the evening of October 7, 2024, a Beechcraft C99 Commuter, operated by
Ameriflight LLC, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Norfolk
Regional Airport in Nebraska. The aircraft, with tail number N130GP, was
performing a scheduled cargo flight (AMF1685) from Norfolk to Omaha-Eppley
Airfield.
At around 19:35 local time, the twin-engine aircraft departed from
Norfolk-Stefan Field. However, just moments into the flight, the plane
crashed approximately one-half mile south of the runway. The aircraft was
destroyed upon impact, and tragically, the sole occupant of the flight,
37-year-old pilot Philip Widner of Bedford, Texas, lost his life in the
accident.
Circumstances of the Crash
Norfolk Police and first responders arrived at the scene shortly after the
crash. According to police reports, Widner, an employee of Ameriflight, had
landed at Norfolk Airport at 19:09 and departed again at 19:35.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane went down during its initial climb phase,
crashing near the airport grounds. There were multiple eyewitnesses to the
event, and their accounts, along with the plane’s flight data, will play a
key role in the ongoing investigation.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Beechcraft C99 Commuter, serial
number U-222, manufactured in 1984. The plane was powered by a pair of
PT6A-60A turboprop engines built by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Ameriflight
had been operating the aircraft as part of their cargo fleet, under
registration N130GP, with the airworthiness certificate last updated in 2007
and valid until 2030.
The aircraft was registered to UAS Transervices Inc., located in Boca Raton,
Florida. Despite being a cargo-modified commuter aircraft, the Beechcraft
C99 is widely used for regional cargo flights. The type is known for its
reliability, but the precise cause of the accident remains unknown pending
further investigation.
Official Statements
Ameriflight, in a public statement, expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of
their pilot. Patrick Fluegeman, Ameriflight’s CEO and President, said, “We
are filled with sorrow at the passing of our flight crew member. Our focus
is on supporting the pilot’s family and our employees through this difficult
time.” Out of respect for the family, Ameriflight declined to release the
pilot’s identity, though it has since been confirmed by authorities as
Philip Widner.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) are conducting a thorough investigation to determine
the cause of the crash. Ameriflight has stated their full cooperation with
the ongoing investigation.
Investigation
As of now, the investigation is in its preliminary stages. The NTSB and FAA
will assess various factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history,
the pilot’s experience, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
The information released so far is based on news reports, social media, and
unofficial sources.
The official findings from the NTSB are awaited, and these will provide more
clarity regarding the cause of the crash.
In the end The Beechcraft C99 Commuter crash near Norfolk Regional Airport
is a tragic event, claiming the life of an experienced pilot. While the
aircraft involved was a well-maintained cargo plane, the cause of the
accident remains undetermined pending a formal investigation by federal
authorities. Ameriflight has committed to supporting the pilot's family and
will continue to work closely with investigators to understand what led to
this devastating incident.
Social Media
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