NTSB Factual Report

On August 30, 2018, about 1030 central standard time, a Beechcraft BE-60 airplane, N1876L, impacted terrain during an approach to the Destin Executive Airport (DTS), Destin, Florida, Texas. The commercial rated pilot and three passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Henry Leasing Company, LLC, as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country fight. The flight departed the Toledo Executive airport (TOL) about 0747 en route to DTS, and an instrument flight plan had been filed.

A preliminary review of air traffic control (ATC) communications revealed that as the flight approached the destination airport, the pilot was in contact with the Eglin AFB approach controller, reported DTS in sight, and then canceled his IFR clearance. The pilot was then handed over to the DTS tower controller, where the pilot reported that he was about 2 miles north of DTS. There were no further communications between the pilot and air traffic control.

The airplane wreckage was located in a remote, wooded area of the Eglin AFB reservation property, about 8.5 miles northwest of the DTS airport and 2.5 miles northwest of the Eglin AFB.

The airplane impacted trees, on a 067-degree heading with a wreckage path about 380 feet long. Several fragments of the airplane were located along the wreckage path: the airplane's nose cone was located near the initial impact point, the left-wing tip fuel tank and right outboard wing was near the beginning of the path, and the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator were fragmented and located on the wreckage path. The airplane came to rest inverted, with a post-crash fire consuming most of the cabin and inboard section of the wings.

Both engines had impact and fire damage; with the right engine located just right of the main wreckage. The left engine was located in front of the main wreckage. Both 3-bladed propellers had broken from and was next to their respective engines.