Beech 35-C33 Destroyed in Brookings Crash; Three Treated for Minor Injuries

Northeast Radio SD News - Brookings, SD - A Beech 35‑C33 airplane (N1310A) was destroyed following an accident near Brookings on September 6, 2025. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, according to a preliminary investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (Accident Number CEN25LA368).

The flight, operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Brookings Regional Airport (BKX) bound for Bozeman, Mont. About 8:59 a.m. CDT, shortly after takeoff at roughly 200–300 feet above ground, the pilot reported a moderate vibration followed by a loud bang and a noticeable loss of engine power and thrust. The engine rpm gauge showed about 2,300 rpm instead of the normal 2,500 rpm, the pilot told investigators.

The pilot lowered the aircraft's nose and attempted a slow return to the airport, applying full throttle without restoring power. After hearing a stall warning and recognizing he would not reach the runway, the pilot aimed for a nearby grass clearing and performed a forced landing. During the landing, the front‑right passenger was knocked unconscious; all three occupants exited the airplane after a post-impact fire began.

The pilot and rear‑seat passenger extricated the unconscious passenger, and the three moved into nearby tall, wet grass to distance themselves from the fire.

Emergency responders later found the airplane consumed by a post-impact fire that destroyed most of the fuselage and parts of both wings. There was no reported ground injury or explosion. The aircraft was recovered for further examination. The NTSB report noted the investigation is preliminary and subject to change; the NTSB did not travel to the scene for this investigation. The investigator in Charge is Bradley Miller, with additional participation from FAA personnel.

Weather conditions near the accident site were visual meteorological conditions, characterized by light wind and 10-mile visibility. The accident occurred about one nautical mile from KBKX; the reported coordinates are 44.304528, -96.818917.

The NTSB will continue its examination; final determinations about the cause of the accident will be included in subsequent reports.