Fatal Accident (2) – Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N566C, Greenville-Pitt-Greenville Airport, NC (PGV/KPGV), March 14, 2025
ASX Investigation | ||||
On March 14, 2025, at approximately 07:50 local time, a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, registered as N566C and owned by Carolina Contrails LLC, crashed shortly after departing Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) in Greenville, North Carolina. The aircraft was carrying two occupants, later identified as Mark Bowman, a local dentist, and his wife Robin. The flight was bound for Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida but failed to gain altitude and impacted a construction supply yard near the departure airport. Both occupants perished in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The Beechcraft A36 Bonanza is a six-seat, single-engine aircraft that has been in continuous production since 1968. The accident aircraft, N566C, was a 2005 model equipped with a turbo-normalized engine, tip tanks, and an advanced avionics suite, including Garmin navigation and ADS-B capabilities. It was designed for high-performance general aviation operations and was considered well-maintained. The aircraft took off from Runway 2 at PGV at 07:48 and began a climbing right-hand turn. Flight data indicated that it reached a maximum altitude of approximately 275 feet and a ground speed of 123 knots before entering a steep right-hand turn and descending rapidly. Witnesses and preliminary flight data suggest that the aircraft’s trajectory was consistent with an aerodynamic stall, possibly induced by excessive bank angle or loss of control. The impact site was identified as Consolidated Pipe, a commercial property along North Greene Street, approximately one mile from the departure runway. The wreckage was fragmented, and first responders declared the site a biohazard due to the extent of human remains. Emergency personnel, including the Greenville Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Pitt County EMS, secured the area and initiated the investigative process. No injuries were reported on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were notified and have taken charge of the investigation. The initial focus is on mechanical issues, weather conditions, pilot experience, and possible human factors. While weather conditions at the time were generally favorable, investigators will analyze wind conditions, density altitude, and turbulence that may have contributed to the loss of control. Flight control integrity, engine performance, and aircraft weight and balance will be examined to determine whether any mechanical anomalies played a role in the crash. Mark Bowman, the pilot, was reportedly experienced, but the specifics of his flight hours, recent training, and medical certification status have not yet been disclosed. The Beechcraft Bonanza series has a history of being labeled a “doctor killer” due to its high performance and the frequency of fatal crashes involving relatively inexperienced pilots. However, statistical reviews have shown that the aircraft itself does not have a significantly higher accident rate than similar single-engine retractable-gear aircraft. The investigation will assess whether pilot decision-making or spatial disorientation contributed to the accident. One key factor being examined is the possibility of a mechanical failure or control system malfunction. The aircraft’s turbo-normalized engine and modifications, including tip tanks and speed brakes, could have influenced handling characteristics. The rapid onset of the right-hand turn, leading to an unrecoverable descent, suggests a potential loss of control scenario. Investigators will review maintenance records, avionics data, and engine performance logs to determine if a pre-existing mechanical issue was present. As the investigation progresses, the NTSB will likely release a preliminary report within the coming weeks, followed by a final report after detailed analysis of flight data, wreckage examination, and autopsy results. The crash site has been cleared, and normal operations have resumed at Pitt-Greenville Airport. The incident underscores the importance of thorough pre-flight checks, situational awareness, and the ability to recognize and respond to critical flight conditions. Further details will be provided as official reports become available. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 2 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 0 |  |
Aircraft Information | ||||
Aircraft Type | Operator Carolina Contrails LLC | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture date |
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Accident Weather |  | Official Preliminary Report | Official Final Report | |