Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N66519, fatal accident occurred on March 7, 2026, near Gulf Shores, Alabama

• Location: Gulf Shores, AL 
• Accident Number: ERA26LA140 
• Date & Time: March 7, 2026, 19:00 Local 
• Registration: N66519 
• Aircraft: Beech A36 
• Injuries: 2 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202614/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N66519

On March 7, 2026, about 1900 central standard time, a Beechcraft A36, N66519 was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The flight departed Flagler Executive Airport (FIN), Palm Coast, Florida, destined for Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA), Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Preliminary ADS-B data showed the airplane departed FIN and made two left turns to join an outbound heading of 278° with some minor course adjustments primarily along a direct flight path. The airplane climbed to and leveled off at 6,000 ft mean sea level (msl) until passing Pensacola, Florida. At Pensacola, the aircraft began a gradual descent to 1,500 ft.

Preliminary air traffic control (ATC) communications revealed that during the approach phase of the flight, Pensacola approach control instructed the pilot to turn right to a heading of 360°. The pilot acknowledged and reported a weak radio signal. Shortly afterward, ATC advised the pilot he was 4 miles from the final approach fix and instructed him to turn right to a heading of 060° and to maintain 1,600 ft until established on the final approach course. The pilot was then cleared for the RNAV runway 9 approach, and he correctly acknowledged all the instructions. The controller asked if his radio reception had improved and the pilot reported, “slightly better”. The pilot began his right turn but stopped the turn on a heading of about 050° and flew through the final approach course. The approach controller advised him that he had passed through the final approach course and instructed him to turn to a heading of 110° to rejoin the final approach course. The pilot did not acknowledge the first transmission but correctly acknowledged the second instruction. The airplane entered a descending right turn and leveled off briefly at an altitude of 800 ft on a heading of about 150°. It then entered a gradual tightening left turn and climb to 1,300 ft, before transitioning into a steep descending turn. The airplane impacted the water on a heading of between 300° and 324° at a ground speed of about 165 knots.

Underwater sonar scans showed the wreckage was scattered over an area 700 ft long by 300 ft wide in water depths of 8 9 ft.

Portions of the wreckage have been recovered and retained for further examination.

Robinson R22 Beta II, N74557, incident occurred on March 23, 2026, in Poinciana, Florida

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N74557

- History of Flight:
On March 23, 2026, at about 1433 local time, a Robinson R22 Beta II, N74557, sustained unknown damage following a forced landing in a field due to a loss of engine power in Poinciana, Florida. The sole pilot onboard was not injured.

ADS-B data show that the helicopter landed next to the Mac Overstreet Park.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Piper PA-44-180T Seminole, N8360V, incident occurred on March 24, 2026, at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC/KSLC), Salt Lake City, Utah

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N8360V

- History of Flight:
On March 24, 2026, at about 0009 local time, a Piper PA-44-180T Seminole, N8360V, registered to Saturn International LLC, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a nose gear collapse during touch-and-go practice on runway 17 at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC/KSLC), Salt Lake City, Utah. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from the South Valley Regional Airport (U42), West Jordan, Utah, at 2326 LT.

- Weather:

METAR KSLC 240554Z 15005KT 10SM CLR 13/M01 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP137 T01331006 10211 20133 50005

METAR KSLC 240654Z 15006KT 10SM CLR 12/02 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP140 T01220017 402170100

Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II, N962MS, incident occurred on March 23, 2026, at Brackett Field Airport (POC/KPOC), La Verne, California

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N962MS

- History of Flight:
On March 23, 2026, at about 1738 local time, a Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II, N962MS, registered to Mt San Antonio College, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a landing gear collapse upon landing on runway 26L at Brackett Field Airport (POC/KPOC), La Verne, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The local training flight originated from the airport at 1632 LT.

The winds were from 250° at 10 knots.

- Weather:

METAR KPOC 232147Z 25010KT 10SM CLR 27/11 A2992

METAR KPOC 232247Z 24010KT 10SM CLR 28/12 A2991

The Airplane Factory Sling LSA, N870JA, accident occurred on March 23, 2026, at North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N870JA

- History of Flight:
On March 23, 2026, at about 2247 local time, a The Airplane Factory Sling LSA, N870JA, sustained substantial damage when it struck a deer during touch-and-go practice at the North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight originated from the airport at 2228 LT.

Robinson R44 Raven II, N478AT, fatal accident occurred on March 23, 2026, in Boynton Beach, Florida

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N478AT

- History of Flight:
On March 23, 2026, at about 1221 local time, a Robinson R44 Raven II, N478AT, registered to Airmen Testing and Training Inc out of Lantana, Florida, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Boynton Beach, Florida. The flight instructor and student pilot were fatally injured. The training flight originated from the Palm Beach County Airport (LNA/KLNA), Palm Beach, Florida, at 1121 local time.

A witness reported that he saw a maroon-colored helicopter dropping out of the sky, and pointing straight toward the ground. "It just nosedived right into the roof, and it punched a hole in the roof."

According to to preliminary air traffic control (ATC) recording, the pilot was heard saying "... Hey ... we are going to land out here in one of the fields we've got something going on with the helicopter." The controller responded "Hey 8AT you good I didn't hear that call?" An unknown voice was heard responding "He said he is going to land at one of the fields, there is a problem with his engine." A few seconds later the pilot was heard saying "Hey 8AT I am on the shoreline I am coming down to see whats going on..."

According to preliminary automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, the helicopter departed KLNA and headed east towards the shore where it flew alongside the coast at an altitude of 500-600 ft. At 1146 LT, the helicopter started going southwest in preparation to land at the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Heliport (DT1), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The helicopter circled the heliport and landed at 1149 LT. At 1152 LT, the helicopter departed the heliport, climbed to 400 ft, and headed west. At 1158:38, the airplane turned right and headed north. At 1206:03, the helicopter turned right and headed east. At 1209:00, the helicopter turned left and was now heading north. During this entire period, the helicopter was cruising at 400 ft, with groundspeed values averaging 80 knots. At 1214:53, the helicopter climbed to 600 ft and starting heading east. At 1217:54, the helicopter overflew Antiquers Aerodrome (FD08), Delray Beach, Florida, at 600 ft. At 1220:13, the helicopter turned left, and began a climb to the north to 700 ft. At 1221:15, the helicopter was at 700 ft and descending 250 feet per minute (fpm), at this point, the helicopter had decelerated from about 81 knots (from the start of the turn) to 68 knots groundspeed. At 1221:25, the helicopter was at 500 ft, 72 knots GS, and descending 2300 feet per minute. The last ADS-B data point was recorded at the edge of the warehouse, the helicopter was at 200 ft, 52 knots groundspeed, and descending 9850 feet per minute (fpm).

Figure 1: Overview of ADS-B exchange data.

Figure 2: Closeup of final 9 minutes of flight.

Figure 3: Final 2 minutes of ADS-B data.

- Pilot Information:
Unknown.

- Aircraft Information:
The accident aircraft, serial number 1006, was a four-seat, single main rotor, single-engine helicopter, was constructed primarily of metal, and manufactured in 2001. The primary structure of the fuselage was welded steel tubing and riveted aluminum sheet. The tailcone was a monocoque structure in which aluminum skins carried most of the primary loads. Fiberglass and thermoplastics were used in the secondary structure of the cabin, engine cooling system, and in various other ducts and fairings. The helicopter was powered by a 260-horsepower Lycoming O-540 engine.

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The helicopter came to rest to rest inside a warehouse after going through a lightweight truss roof. There was no post crash fire. There was a single point of entry in the roof and no other debris surrounding the hole. The impact appears consistent with an attempted forced landing, but without further photos or damage description, it is hard to analyze this further.

Figure: Overview of accident site, note lack of debris outside of the hole.

- Weather:

(1) METARs:

METAR KLNA 231555Z AUTO 30003KT 10SM CLR 26/04 A3013 RMK AO2 T02610039

METAR KLNA 231615Z AUTO 23003KT 10SM CLR 26/04 A3013 RMK AO2 T02630043

METAR KLNA 231635Z AUTO 36003KT 10SM CLR 27/05 A3013 RMK AO2 T02660048

METAR KLNA 231655Z AUTO 31007KT 10SM CLR 27/05 A3012 RMK AO2 T02720054

METAR KBCT 231753Z 10008KT 10SM CLR 26/11 A3009

- Additional Information:
None.

Beechcraft B200GT King Air 250, N886DS, fatal accident occurred on March 22, 2026, near Sharp, Louisiana

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N886DS

- History of Flight:
On March 22, 2026, at about 1418 local time, a Beechcraft B200GT King Air 250, N886DS, registered to Sher Donald Trustee, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Sharp, Louisiana. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. The cross-country flight originated from the Fort Lauderdale-Executive Airport (FXE/KFXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 1229 LT.

There was no recent flight activity involving the accident aircraft. The purpose of the flight is unknown.

According to preliminary automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, the airplane departed KFXE and climbed to flight level FL280 and headed west. The majority of the flight appeared uneventful as the airplane continued cruising at that altitude. At 1417:51, the airplane was began a descending right hand turn. At 1418:01, the airplane was at 27,350 ft and descending 6700 feet per minute (fpm). At 1418:08, the airplane was at 25,000 ft and descending 24320 feet per minute. At 1418:23, the airplane was at 18,700 ft and descending 28800 feet per minute with a groundspeed of 341 knots.

The airplane impacted swampy terrain and was completely destroyed.

Figure 1: ADS-B exchange view of flight ran through Google Earth

Figure 2: Final moments

Figure 3: ADS-B exchange site view of data

- Pilot Information:
While the pilot remains unidentified, the registered owner holds a commercial pilot certificate, last issued/updated on 3/12/2010, with a rating for airplane single engine land, airplane multi engine land, and an instrument rating. He also held a flight instructor certificate that was issued on 2/20/1975, and a ground instructor certificate issued on 4/16/1971, and a flight engineer certificate issued on 2/18/1970. His third class FAA medical was issued on July 2025, with a note that he must use corrective lens(es) to meet vision standards at all required distances.

- Airplane Information:
The accident aircraft, serial number BY-248, was a twin-turboprop airplane manufactured in 2015 and was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engines.

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
Unknown.

- Weather:
(1) METARs:

METAR KAEX 221753Z 19012G16KT 10SM CLR 27/15 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP156 T02720150 10278 20172 58008 $

METAR KAEX 221853Z 20014G22KT 10SM CLR 29/15 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP145 T02890150 $

METAR KAEX 221953Z 21011G21KT 10SM CLR 29/14 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP138 T02940144 $

METAR KAEX 222053Z 20017G21KT 10SM CLR 29/14 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 20027/2040 SLP134 T02940144 56021 $

(2) Area Forecast Discussion:

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service New Orleans LA
109 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 108 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

- Increased potential for Dense Fog Monday morning. An advisory
  is in effect for portions of SELA.

- Above normal temperatures will be in place through Friday.

- No rain in this forecast period.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Monday night)
Issued at 108 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

In the upper levels, a broad upper level ridge is centered roughly
across southern AZ/NM and northern Mexico but spread across much of
the southern US. Shortwaves have been tracking through the northern
periphery of that ridge and has one does so tonight, the eastern
side of the upper ridge will weaken slightly. What that does is
allow surface ridge centered over the eastern Gulf to move in across
the northern Gulf coast, right near the local coastal waters. Winds
locally will drop and radiational cooling takes place tonight. Model
soundings depict this setup with a decent low level inversion
developing after midnight. Stronger inversion with llvl saturation
in Baton Rouge Metro vs weaker one east of I-55. Confidence
decreases at areas along/east of there and thus kept Dense Fog
Advisory generally limited to Baton Rouge Metro to Houma, not quite
to New Orleans or the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain.

MEFFER
&&

.LONG TERM...
(Tuesday through Saturday night)
Issued at 108 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

As the above mentioned weak shortwave embedded within the
northeastern periphery of the ridge passes just northeast of the
CWA, a backdoor front does approach the region. However, that
airmass won`t make it through and temps barely drop from temporary
erosion of the eastern side of the ridge aloft.

The center of that upper ridge looks to shift east, closer to the
CWA and spread farther east to the Atlantic as the shortwave lifts
east. That`ll allow temps to moderate and lows/highs warm to 10 to
15 degrees above normal. In addition, strong subsidence from that
high pressure dome will continue to keep rain chances out of the
forecast for the remainder of the forecast period.

MEFFER
&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 108 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

Scattered CU field is developing across SELA and spreading
northeastward. Deck heights are just above MVFR/VFR threshold and
should lift higher as the afternoon progresses before dissipating
with sunset. Areas of light to dense fog looking like will develop
Monday morning. Greatest impacts should be west of a line from KHDC
to KMSY.

MEFFER
&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 108 PM CDT Sun Mar 22 2026

A broad area of high pressure centered over the eastern gulf will
keep a prevailing southwesterly wind of around 10 knots in place
through Monday. Late Tuesday, a weak front will stall near the coast
and may even get into the nearshore waters Tue night. Winds may
briefly shift to the north at 5 to 10 knots where the front passes.
By Wednesday, southerly flow of 5 to 10 knots and low end seas of 1
to 2 feet will return as high pressure over the eastern Gulf once
again becomes the dominant feature. These conditions will last
through the end of next week.

MEFFER
&&

.LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...Dense Fog Advisory from 4 AM to 9 AM CDT Monday for LAZ034>036-
     046>048-056>060-065-083>086.

GM...None.
MS...None.
GM...None.
&&

$$

SHORT TERM...ME
LONG TERM....ME
AVIATION...ME
MARINE...ME

- Additional Information:
None