Twin-Engine Beechcraft King Air 90 Crashes onto Hangar Roof in Kansas
On a startling afternoon at New Century Air Center in Kansas, a Beechcraft King Air 90 twin-engine aircraft suffered a crash landing, ultimately coming to rest on the roof of the Butler Avionics hangar. The aircraft, commonly used for corporate and charter operations, was carrying a pilot and a trainee when the incident occurred. Miraculously, both occupants sustained only minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft on their own before being transported for medical evaluation.
What Caused the Beechcraft King Air 90 to Crash at New Century Air Center?
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and NTSB, several factors could have contributed to this rare type of accident:
- Mechanical failure during approach or landing
- Pilot error or training mishap involving misjudgment of descent rate
- Environmental conditions such as sudden crosswinds or turbulence
- Possible issues with avionics or landing gear extension
Given that the aircraft landed directly atop a building, one theory suggests a possible loss of lift or engine thrust during the final phase of landing, which left the crew unable to clear the hangar.
Aircraft Specifications: Beechcraft King Air 90
The Beechcraft King Air 90 series is a highly regarded, pressurized twin-turboprop business aircraft, introduced by Beech Aircraft Corporation in the 1960s. Key specs of this aircraft type include:
- Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A
- Cruise Speed: Approx. 270 knots (310 mph)
- Range: Around 1,200 nautical miles
- Landing Distance: ~2,500 feet (at max landing weight)
- Typical Usage: Pilot training, charter operations, air ambulance services
Due to its reliability and versatility, the King Air 90 is often used for flight training programs—such as the one that may have been in progress during this accident.
Eyewitness and Airport Authority Statements
According to Bryan Johnson, the Executive Director of the Johnson County Airport Commission, the situation could have been far worse. He remarked:
“The good news is that the two people occupying the plane sustained minor injuries and exited the aircraft on their own.”
Eyewitnesses report that emergency responders arrived within minutes, securing the hangar and stabilizing the aircraft to prevent secondary hazards such as fuel leaks or fire.
Implications for Flight Safety and Hangar Operations
This incident raises questions about the risk exposure of hangar facilities located near final approach paths, particularly in busy general aviation airports like New Century Air Center. Additionally, the role of simulated training missions or student-pilot errors will likely be closely reviewed by authorities.
Conclusion: Minor Injuries in a Potentially Major Disaster
Despite the dramatic nature of this Beechcraft King Air 90 crash, quick action by the crew and responders prevented a major catastrophe. The incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, hangar placement considerations, and robust pilot training protocols in aviation.
