Probable cause
The failure of the windshield for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the pressurized airplane was in cruise flight at an altitude of 21,000 ft when the front windshield broke apart and the airplane depressurized. The pilot donned his oxygen mask while initiating an emergency descent, diverted to the nearest airport, and landed without further incident.
Examination revealed that the center area of the windshield had departed the airplane, and portions of the windshield remained in the frame. Review of airplane records revealed that the windshield was replaced 1,972 flight hours before the accident. The windshield anti-ice hot plate was resealed several months before the accident; however, whether that maintenance contributed to the failure could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA211 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Escalante, Utah
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 58P
- N-number
- N9NS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.