Patterson-Harry P. Williams

The twin engine airplane departed Gonzales-Louisiana Regional Airport at 1456LT on a short flight to Patterson. Following a left hand turn, the airplane descended to Patterson-Harry P. Williams Airport when it crashed 300 feet short of runway 06 threshold, bursting into flames. The airplane was destroyed and both occupants were killed. Patterson-Harry P. Williams Airport is located 64 km southwest of Gonzales-Louisiana Regional Airport.

While descending into the Patterson area on an IFR flight plan, the pilot was cleared to hold and was advised that he would be the #2 aircraft for an approach to the Patterson Airport. A few minutes later the pilot asked how long the delay would be. He subsequently stated he had the airport, cancelled IFR and was going in VFR. A pilot who had just departed the airport heard a Mitsubishi call 'turning base.' He could not see an aircraft on base for runway 05. He called but did not receive a reply. The aircraft contacted trees along a heading of about 225°. The flaps were extended about 5° and the landing gear were extended. All three occupants were killed.

While on a LOC/DME approach to Patterson-Harry P. Williams Airport in marginal weather conditions, the pilot was completing a left turn when the airplane collided with trees and crashed. Both occupants were killed.

A structural failure occurred shortly after takeoff. The aircraft went out of control and crashed in a field, killing both occupants, among them Jimmie Wedell, aircraft's creator and designer.