- A preliminary factual report was expected within 30 days.
- The NTSB expected its final report in 12 to 24 months.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a Nov. 6 crash involving a Beechcraft Bonanza near Waycross-Ware County Airport in Georgia. The pilot’s wife reported that he died, but officials have not confirmed his death. The FAA said he was alone aboard the single-engine plane.
The FAA placed the crash at about 11:15 a.m., shortly after departure. The aircraft went down in woods near the airport. The FAA described it as a Beechcraft BE35; the NTSB identified the aircraft as a Beech H35. Those designations refer to the same Bonanza model family. Both agencies place the crash on Friday, Nov. 6, although a later account gave Saturday.
Officials have not confirmed the pilot’s identity
Officials had not named the pilot by Friday evening. An unofficial aviation accident database lists Timothy Aaron Scheuing, 41, but that identification has not been confirmed by the FAA or NTSB.
Flight-tracking data associates the aircraft with registration N5445D and a 1957 Beech H35. It also lists a flight departing Waycross for St. Simons Island. Neither the registration nor the planned destination has been confirmed by officials as part of the crash investigation.
A forum participant who said he knew the pilot described the local response: “Local flying community is shaken up.”
Friday closures do not establish what is open now
The airport’s main terminal closed Friday, and the intersection of Airport Road and Harris Road was closed to keep traffic away from the scene. The airport and local authorities have not provided a current status for the terminal or intersection.
A weather station at the airport recorded calm wind at 10:50 a.m., with broken clouds at 1,500 feet, an overcast layer at 2,100 feet and no rain. The NTSB has not linked those conditions to the crash. Weather is one part of its investigation, not an established cause.
Investigators will examine the wreckage before determining a cause
The NTSB is leading the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration also investigating. The NTSB said investigators were expected at the scene Saturday, Nov. 7, to document the wreckage. The aircraft was to be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Investigators will review the pilot, aircraft and operating environment, including flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and witness statements. The agency said it does not determine or speculate about a crash’s cause during its initial on-scene work.
A preliminary report was expected within 30 days. The final report, which will address probable cause and contributing factors, was expected in 12 to 24 months. The cause remains unknown, and current terminal and road access should be checked with local airport and road authorities.
