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Beechcraft C99 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff

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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#AirspaseNews #Airspace_News  #Airspase #News #AviationNews #AirCrash #BeechcraftC99 #Ameriflight #NorfolkAirport #NTSB #FAA #AviationSafety #AirCargo #Pilot #AviationAccident #BreakingNews

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Location: Norfolk Regional Airport, 4100 S 13th St, Norfolk, NE 68701, USA

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