A somber preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggests that a phenomenon known as “overload failure” may have been a contributing factor in the tragic plane crash in Delaware County on June 30th. The crash claimed the lives of five individuals, including the Van Epps family from Georgia and pilot Roger Beggs.
The single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft crashed near Trout Creek, south of Sidney, New York, shortly after departing from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta. The flight was en route to West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia. The devastating incident cut short the family’s return trip home after they had spent a weekend in Cooperstown, New York, attending a youth baseball tournament.
New York State Police identified the victims as 76-year-old Roger Beggs, the pilot, Laura VanEpps, 42, her husband Ryan VanEpps, 42, and their two young sons, James R. VanEpps, 12, and Harrison VanEpps, 10. Beggs was confirmed to be Laura VanEpps’ father. The preliminary NTSB report does not currently detail Beggs’ piloting experience or training, nor does it indicate any definitive pilot error as a cause of the crash.
Air Traffic Control Interactions and Flight Path Anomalies
The NTSB report reveals crucial communications between pilot Roger Beggs and air traffic control following takeoff. Air traffic control alerted Beggs to significant precipitation in the flight path area. In response to this weather advisory, the aircraft ascended to a higher altitude.
However, at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Piper Malibu began to deviate from its planned course. According to the report, air traffic control contacted the aircraft, stating, “N85PG it looks like you’re deviating left for weather and which fix do you want to go, uh, downstream to?” Notably, there was no recorded response from the pilot.
Shortly after this communication attempt, the aircraft executed a right turn, accompanied by a decrease in altitude and a simultaneous increase in speed. The plane then regained altitude before entering a rapid descending spiral from approximately 9,000 feet. The final recorded data point, just moments before the crash, placed the aircraft at an altitude of around 6,500 feet and a ground speed of 242 knots, equivalent to 278 miles per hour.
Ground Investigation Uncovers Evidence of ‘Overload Failure’
Investigators on the ground located the primary wreckage site about half a mile northwest of the last recorded track data point. The debris field extended for approximately 1.1 miles on a northwest heading. Crucially, all major components of the Piper Malibu aircraft were recovered from this debris field, allowing for a comprehensive examination.
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The NTSB preliminary report highlights that beyond the extensive impact damage, fractures and damage patterns observed on cables and other aircraft components were consistent with “overload failure.” “Overload failure” in aviation terms describes a scenario where either the load on the aircraft exceeds its structural capacity, or the strength of the aircraft’s materials is insufficient to support the applied load. The report, at this stage, does not specify which of these definitions is more applicable to the Van Epps Family Plane Crash.
The aircraft’s instrument panel suffered severe crushing and deformation upon impact, making it impossible to determine the pre-impact positions of cockpit controls and switches. The engine remained attached to the airframe and was found buried approximately three feet deep at the crash site. Examination of the engine cylinders revealed no immediate anomalies.
Ongoing Investigation and Path to a Final Report
The wreckage of the Piper Malibu has been retained for in-depth analysis as the investigation continues. A critical aspect of the ongoing investigation will be to assess the potential influence of weather conditions on the crash. Investigators will also delve into the pilot’s background, experience, and flight history.
The NTSB emphasizes that completing a final report, including definitive conclusions regarding the probable cause and contributing factors of the Van Epps family plane crash, may take between one and two years.
In the interim, the National Transportation Safety Board is actively seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident or possesses relevant video footage. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the NTSB via email at [email protected].
The preliminary report provides initial insights into this devastating event, but the full picture and the precise factors leading to the Van Epps family plane crash will only emerge after a thorough and comprehensive investigation in the months to come.
