Ground Scars And Wreckage Were Consistent With A Steep Angle Through Trees Before Impact

Location: Starkville, MS Accident Number: CEN21FA355
Date & Time: August 4, 2021, 15:20 Local Registration: N7197C
Aircraft: North American T-6G Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 4, 2021, about 1520 central daylight time, a North American T6G airplane, N7197C, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Starkville, Mississippi. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane was not equipped with an ADS-B transponder; however, a preliminary review of air traffic control (ATC) radar track data revealed that the airplane departed runway 36 at McCharen Field Airport (M83), West Point, Mississippi, and continued toward the south-southwest where it made a series of maneuvers near the accident site. The final radar return was recorded at 1518 about 0.15 mile west of the accident site. The pilot was not in contact with an ATC facility during the flight.

A witness located in house nearby, heard the airplane’s engine and stepped outside. She saw the airplane, which was low. The airplane disappeared behind some trees before an impact with terrain was heard.

Ground scars and wreckage were consistent with a steep angle through trees before impact with terrain. The main wreckage was near its initial impact point on a heading of about 105°. The wreckage was confined near the impact point among the trees.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov