News Summary
A final NTSB report confirms that pilot John Morgan’s fatal crash in Arkansas was influenced by adverse weather and autopilot problems. Morgan, a former state senator, was advised against flying due to these issues but proceeded, leading to a tragic outcome. The investigation indicates that human factors contributed to the crash as Morgan may have experienced spatial disorientation while handling the aircraft manually in poor conditions.
Fayetteville, Arkansas – A final report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that pilot John Morgan’s fatal aircraft crash in Washington County, Arkansas, on May 13, 2023, was significantly influenced by adverse weather conditions and autopilot issues. Morgan, 76, who was the only occupant of the twin-engine Beech King Air E-90, did not survive the crash.
The NTSB’s investigation, released over two years following the tragic accident, outlines critical circumstances leading to the event. Morgan, a former Mississippi state senator who held office from 1984 to 1992, took off from Oxford, Mississippi, before the crash occurred. The wreckage of his aircraft was discovered later on the same day at approximately 3:46 p.m.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), preliminary reports indicated that the aircraft lost altitude before its disastrous impact. Prior to the flight, Morgan had engaged in discussions with an avionics technician regarding an existing autopilot roll issue. He was explicitly advised against using the autopilot during the flight until the problem was addressed and to postpone his departure due to unfavorable weather conditions.
During its flight, data revealed that the aircraft’s operations were uneventful until the approach toward its destination. Upon descent, the airplane encountered overcast cloud conditions that impeded visibility. Morgan had received clearance for an instrument approach to the intended airport. However, his maneuvering during the approach led the aircraft to descend below its assigned altitude, prompting a low-altitude alert from air traffic control.
Flight data indicates that, at one point, the aircraft ascended slightly but subsequently entered a descending right turn that continued until the last recorded signal. Further calculations determined that the plane was descending at a staggering rate of over 15,000 feet per minute just before crashing. The impact registered in a near-vertical position, causing extensive fragmentation of the aircraft upon landing.
The NTSB’s findings showed no pre-impact anomalies that would have otherwise interfered with standard flight operations, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the crash stemmed from human factors. Investigators believe that Morgan may have been hand-flying the plane at the time without using the autopilot, likely due to the known issues with the autopilot system.
Additionally, it appears that Morgan may have experienced spatial disorientation while he attempted to operate the aircraft manually in poor weather conditions. The investigation pointed to the possibility that he was under self-imposed pressure to complete the flight despite the challenges presented by the weather and the autopilot’s malfunction.
The tragic incident highlights critical safety considerations when piloting an aircraft with known mechanical issues, especially under adverse weather conditions. As investigations are concluded, the insights gained from the NTSB report are intended to enhance understanding and promote safer flying practices among pilots and operators alike.
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Additional Resources
- WLBT: NTSB Releases Final Report on Fatal Crash Involving Former Mississippi Senator
- Wikipedia: Aircraft Accident
- WUSA9: Spotsylvania County Virginia Plane Crash
- Google Search: Aircraft Crash Causes
- WJHL: VSP Identifies Pilot in Fatal Scott Co Plane Crash
- Google Scholar: Aviation Safety
- WSLS: Washington DC Plane Crash Kills Students and Parents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Traffic Control
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