News Summary
The NTSB has finalized its investigation into a plane crash that killed Johnny Morgan, a former Mississippi state senator. The report attributes the crash to poor pre-flight decisions and self-imposed pressure to fly in adverse weather. Morgan, 76, encountered autopilot issues and reportedly descended dangerously before losing control of the aircraft. Findings underscore the crucial need for adherence to safety protocols in aviation.
Fayetteville, Arkansas — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the tragic plane crash that resulted in the death of Johnny Morgan, a former Mississippi state senator. Morgan, aged 76, perished when the twin-engine Beech King Air E-90 he was piloting went down in a wooded area in northwestern Arkansas on May 17, 2023. He was the sole occupant aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident.
Investigations revealed that the flight originated from University-Oxford Airport in Oxford, Mississippi, just over an hour prior to the crash. During the flight, Morgan reached out to an avionics repair facility at Drake Field Airport in Fayetteville. He reported experiencing difficulties with the aircraft’s autopilot system, and a technician advised him against using the autopilot due to ongoing issues, suggesting he bring the plane in for maintenance upon arrival.
As the plane prepared to descend into Fayetteville, it was observed descending at a dangerous rate of more than 15,000 feet per minute just moments before the crash. The NTSB’s preliminary findings indicate that Morgan was likely flying the aircraft manually at the time and was not utilizing the autopilot feature, which he had been advised to avoid due to its malfunctions.
The NTSB investigators speculated that Morgan, who had typically relied on automation when operating the aircraft, may have become spatially disoriented during the flight. This disorientation contributed to his loss of control over the plane. Furthermore, it was suggested that Morgan felt self-imposed pressure to complete the flight despite adverse weather conditions, which ultimately played a significant role in the crash.
During the autopsy, ethanol was detected in Morgan’s liver and muscle tissue, though experts have deemed it unlikely that it was a contributing factor to the accident due to the possibility of postmortem alcohol production. Additionally, trace amounts of several other substances were found, including tadalafil, salicylic acid, famotidine, atenolol, and irbesartan, but it is also believed that these substances did not have a direct impact on the cause of the crash.
The NTSB concluded that the probable cause of the plane crash stemmed from Morgan’s poor pre-flight decision to depart into known instrument meteorological conditions without a functioning autopilot. The combination of this decision, coupled with the self-imposed pressure to continue the flight in challenging weather, were cited as critical factors leading to this tragic event.
Johnny Morgan served in the Mississippi Senate from 1984 until 1992, making significant contributions during his political career in the state. His legacy remains a topic of remembrance among colleagues and constituents in Mississippi, who are now mourning his untimely passing.
The findings of the NTSB serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the potential dangers associated with flying in adverse conditions, especially when crucial flight systems are not operational.
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Additional Resources
- NJ101.5
- Wikipedia: Aviation accident
- ABC15
- Google Search: plane crash Winslow
- NHOne News
- Google Scholar: aircraft safety protocols
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: aircraft safety
- NBC News
- Google News: DC plane crash
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
