NTSB Identification: LAX02FA134

Accident occurred Thursday, April 11, 2002 at Willows, CA
Aircraft: Beech G35, registration: N4487D
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On April 11, 2002, at approximately 1006 Pacific daylight time, a Beech G35, N4487D, registered to and operated by the pilot, was destroyed when it broke up in flight and impacted terrain 4 miles west of Willows, California. The private pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for this personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Willows at approximately 0955.

According to witnesses, the airplane was seen approaching the Thunderhill Park area from the southwest at approximately 1500 feet above ground level (agl) and at a "faster than usual" rate of speed. The airplane "banked sharply" and began to circle the park. Shortly thereafter, the tail of the airplane began to "shake violently up and down several times." One witness heard a loud "pop" just prior to seeing the tail separate from the airplane. The airplane rolled over, the left wing and engine separated, and the airplane spiraled to the ground.