News Summary
A report by the NTSB confirmed that former Mississippi State Senator Johnny Morgan’s decisions contributed to the fatal aircraft crash on May 17, 2023. The investigation revealed that his choice to fly in poor weather and proceed despite autopilot issues were critical factors. Despite warnings from an avionics technician, Morgan continued the flight, leading to a tragic accident during descent. The NTSB highlighted the importance of adhering to safety protocols in aviation, especially under adverse conditions.
Winslow, Arkansas – A report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that decisions made by former Mississippi State Senator Johnny Morgan contributed to the fatal crash of his aircraft on May 17, 2023. The NTSB revealed that Morgan, who was 76 years old at the time of the incident, was the sole occupant of a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air E90 which crashed shortly after takeoff from University-Oxford Airport in Oxford, Mississippi.
According to the final report issued on July 8, 2025, Morgan’s choice to fly amidst inclement weather conditions and his awareness of pre-existing autopilot issues played a significant role in the accident. The purpose of his flight was to take the aircraft to Drake Field in Arkansas for maintenance on its malfunctioning autopilot system. Despite being advised by an avionics technician to refrain from using the autopilot and reconsider his plans due to adverse weather, Morgan proceeded with the flight, emphasizing a prior commitment to return home for a scheduled function on the same day.
The flight initially progressed without incident until it reached the descent phase toward its intended destination. As the aircraft began its descent, Morgan encountered low visibility conditions characterized by overcast clouds. While in contact with Fort Smith Air Traffic Control, he was cleared for an instrument approach. However, the aircraft descended below the assigned altitude, triggering a low-altitude alert from air traffic control. The data indicated that the aircraft was descending at an alarming rate of over 15,000 feet per minute prior to the crash.
The plane ultimately impacted the ground in a near-vertical position, resulting in significant fragmentation upon impact. In the subsequent investigation, NTSB officials noted that no mechanical issues were found that would have contributed to the crash. Instead, it was concluded that Morgan was likely piloting the aircraft manually due to the autopilot malfunction, which may have led to a condition of spatial disorientation in the adverse weather.
The pressure Morgan felt to complete the flight in less-than-ideal conditions was highlighted in the report as a critical factor affecting his decision-making process. Morgan’s extensive background included a tenure as a Mississippi State Senator from 1981 to 1991 and a role as a Lafayette County supervisor from 2003 to 2011. Aside from his political career, he founded the Morgan White Insurance Group, holding various leadership positions in the business sector.
Johnny Morgan graduated from Oxford High School and later received a degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi. His contributions to the community and state were recognized by colleagues and officials; for instance, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves remembered him as an exceptionally loyal individual. Morgan’s involvement in public service and business leadership distinguished him as a notable figure in Mississippi.
The NTSB’s report serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety recommendations and recognizing the limitations imposed by weather conditions—particularly in aviation. Morgan’s tragic accident underscores the critical need for pilots to be vigilant about decision-making and safety protocols, especially in cases where weather conditions pose a serious risk to flight operations.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle
- Wikipedia: Johnny Morgan
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Search: Johnny Morgan plane crash
- WLBT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NTSB
- WJTV
- Google News: Mississippi Senator Johnny Morgan
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