N53RP

On January 26, 2024, about 0726 eastern standard time, a Beech C99, N53RP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Londonderry, New Hampshire. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand cargo flight.

According to preliminary information from Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control (ATC), the airplane departed Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT), Manchester, New Hampshire, at 0710, destined for Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), Presque Isle, Maine. Immediately after takeoff, the airplane broadcast an emergency transponder code. The airplane then flew erratically for 16 minutes while the ATC controller attempted to establish radio contact, before it collided with wooded terrain about 5 miles south of MHT.

A debris path was observed, beginning with a damaged fiber optic line about 75 ft high. The debris path extended on a magnetic course of 140° for about 200 ft through wooded terrain. The right aileron was found near the beginning of the debris path, suspended in a tree. The wreckage came to rest upright and oriented south at the end of the debris path.

The airplane’s left side (pilot side) cockpit door/hatch was subsequently located in a residential yard about 10 miles north of the main wreckage. Additionally, the airplane was equipped with a portable ladder for pilot entry, which secured to the fuselage under the cockpit door/hatch and was supposed to be stowed inside the cockpit before takeoff. The portable ladder was found outside and aft of the cockpit, resting against the left engine nacelle.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.