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N2UZ

Fatal Accident (1) – Beechcraft V35B Bonanza, N2UZ, near Charlottesville, VA, January 25, 2025

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OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: Report Not Available

SOURCE Report:
The fatal crash of a Beechcraft V35B Bonanza, registered as N2UZ, occurred on January 25, 2025, around 12:30 PM local time. The aircraft was en route from Richmond County Airport in North Carolina to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport in Virginia. The single-occupant aircraft, manufactured in 1977, experienced a catastrophic engine failure while descending at approximately 5,500 feet, about ten miles south of its destination. The pilot declared an emergency, citing a total loss of engine power and indicated an inability to reach the airport. The plane subsequently impacted a wooded area near the Rivanna River floodplain in northern Albemarle County, Virginia. The crash resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the sole pilot onboard.

The accident site, located near East Monacan Drive, was described as densely wooded, complicating recovery and investigative efforts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were promptly notified and are collaborating with local authorities, including the Virginia State Police, to determine the root cause of the incident. Initial assessments revealed no indications of structural issues with the aircraft, shifting the investigative focus toward potential engine malfunctions or operational factors. Witness accounts and preliminary data suggest the pilot attempted to guide the aircraft to a safer landing area but was unsuccessful due to the rapid descent and terrain.

The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will likely involve an in-depth examination of the aircraft’s maintenance records, communication logs, and data retrieved from any onboard electronic systems. Historically, engine failures in small aircraft have been linked to maintenance discrepancies, fuel management issues, or environmental factors such as temperature variations or debris. The Beechcraft V35B Bonanza’s robust design is generally considered reliable, which makes this incident particularly concerning and emphasizes the importance of determining whether systemic issues played a role.

This accident highlights critical considerations in general aviation safety, including the necessity for stringent engine inspections and the importance of emergency response procedures. While the immediate cause appears to be a loss of engine power, the final report will provide crucial details to enhance future safety measures and protocols for small aircraft operations in similar conditions. Until the investigation concludes, the aviation community awaits further clarity regarding this tragic event.

Aircraft Operator:
Private

Video(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrhA6xRnFP4

Accident Location:
near Charlottesville, VA
38° 5’32.13″N 78°26’26.31″W (https://g.co/kgs/ryvyx3L)

ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/473308

Registration(🇺🇸 U.S.):
N2UZ (https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=2UZ)

Year of Manufacture:
1977


SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
D-9980

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/brent.hippert

X/Twitter (reports+videos):
n/a

ADS-B Exchange:
n/a

FlightAware:
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N2UZ

flightradar24:
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/n2uz#38de2bfb

AirNav.radar:
https://www.airnavradar.com/data/registration/4K-AZ65

National Report(s):
n/a

Local Report(s):
https://www.cbs19news.com/news/one-killed-in-plane-crash-in-albemarle-county/article_a25e2bf0-db4d-11ef-9b03-37ae58362e18.html
https://www.29news.com/2025/01/25/one-dead-after-small-plane-crash-albemarle/

Image Reference(s):
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11433591
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11097033
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10152150741708189&set=ecnf.659353188
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10154342778238189&set=a.10152150741783189

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