U-FITAQP: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN

PAC 750XL | N221BN

Butler, Missouri

  • DTSB analysis published
Share a tip about this accident

Key facts

  • DateJune 14, 2026
  • Local time11:20 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightTakeoff
  • People on board12
  • Fatalities12
  • AirportKBUM

Accident Location

City, State
Butler, Missouri
Latitude
38.291128
Longitude
-94.343056
Airport ID
KBUM

Aircraft Info

N Number
N221BN
Make
PAC
Model
750XL
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Gender
Unknown
Certification
Unknown
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
Unknown
Flight school
Unknown
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
12
PIC fatality
1
Passenger fatalities
11
Total fatalities
12
NTSB travel
Unknown

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

The DTSB determines the probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the pilot did encounter some form of engine abnormal after takeoff from runway 36, and did immediately initiate an aggressive left turn in an attempt to return to the airport. The aircraft was not over loaded, and was within safe CG limits. The aircraft became fully stalled as a result of very high wing loading during the left turn. Witnesses report that the aircraft achieved a height of 200 -300 feet AGL, and that the left turn was abnormally aggressive. The left wing did stall first and cause an aerodynamic spin to the left. The aircraft was observed by those on highway 49 business to be nearly vertical just before impact. The entire debris field is very small, and located 860 feet to the west of the runway 18-36 centerline. The total distance flown on the accident flight was 3,055 feet, a total of 46 seconds elapsed from the start of takeoff until the impact.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to PUSH (lower the nose) during engine LOTOT and ROTOT events, and to be committed to landing wings level, straight ahead during these abnormals, with minor left or right heading changes as necessary. The DTSB also recommends that pilots remember that the impossible turn is usually impossible.

Resources