31 Oct 20226:59 reconstruction1K views

ATC Warnings and a Failed Go-Around Before Fatal Georgia Plane Crash

Timeline

DEPARTURE

N495AU was operating an approach into the Atlantarea on 31 October 2022.

DEVELOPING

ATC communications included warnings and instructions as the aircraft worked through the approach sequence.

DECISION / RESPONSE

The crew attempted a go-around after the approach could not be completed normally.

EMERGENCY

The aircraft continued through the final phase of the failed approach sequence.

FINAL SEQUENCE

The airplane crashed during the attempted recovery, resulting in fatal injuries.

OUTCOME

The investigation record is kept separate from the ATC chronology, and no unsupported causal finding is presented.

Accident facts and aircraft context

While approaching Alpharetta, Georgia, in poor weather, the pilot was instructed by ATC to maintain 3,000 feet.

Purpose of the flight

Private cross-country travel.

Flight sequence and key events

Soon after, the aircraft began climbing and descending unevenly, triggering altitude warnings.

Loss of Control: The pilot informed ATC that he was going around and was told to climb back to 3,000 feet, turn to a heading, and keep the wings level.

Although he acknowledged the instructions, the aircraft soon entered an unstable turn and began descending.

ATC made several attempts to contact the pilot, but there was no response, and the aircraft eventually disappeared from radar before crashing, killing both occupants.

The pilot had several serious medical conditions and had reportedly not been feeling well in the months before the flight.

While this may have increased the risk of impairment, no definite medical cause could be confirmed.

On 31 October 2022, a Beechcraft G58 Baron (N495AU) was flying from Jekyll Island Airport to Atlanta-DeKalb Peachtree Airport.

A small amount of ethanol was detected, but it was not believed to be a factor in the crash

The Georgiaccident is best understood through the approach and go-around sequence documented in the record. The radio warnings are evidence of what ATC saw; they are not, by themselves, proof of the final causal finding.

Investigation findings

Investigation: Investigators found no mechanical problems with the aircraft before impact.

How the event developed

The approach became unstable, the pilot initiated a go-around, and the aircraft then deviated in altitude and heading before the pilot stopped responding to ATC. The final loss of control remains unexplained.

What the record establishes

The NTSB determined that the loss of airplane control occurred for reasons that could not be determined.

What the evidence shows

The approach and go-around sequence is documented, but the investigation did not establish why the pilot ultimately lost control. The absence of a confirmed mechanical or medical explanation is part of the final record.

Incident date: 1. Flight and Approach: On 31 October 2022, a Beechcraft G58 Baron (N495AU) was
Aircraft / registration: Beechcraft G58 Baron — N495AU
Investigation status: NTSB/ASN record for N495AU

Sources

This is a source-based reconstruction using the incident record, investigation material and publicly available ATC/operational records identified in the Sources section.