On November 28, 1998, at 1038 eastern standard time, a Beech 33-F33A, N69FL, impacted trees shortly after takeoff in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger minor injuries, the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane departed Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida exact time unknown, enroute to Brunswick, Georgia.

According to the FAA, the aircraft was observed circling Fernandina Beach airport (55J). Air Traffic Control, (ATC) attempted to contact the aircraft with no results. The controller broadcasted that radar contact had been lost and immediately notified the supervisor of the situation. The supervisor contacted the Fixed Base Operator and was informed that the pilot had experienced a complete electrical failure and had to hand crank the landing gear down. The pilot then made a low pass over the tower for a visual gear inspection and was returning for a landing when the accident occurred.