On May 16, 2002, at 1614 central daylight time, a Mark K. Taber, Lance Air ES, N600MT, registered to and operated by the private pilot, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from the Chain Municipal airport in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and pilot rated passenger received fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The flight originated from the Chain Municipal Airport in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at 1600.

Witnesses observed the airplane as the pilot conducted touch-and-go landings. On the last take-off, witnesses stated that they heard a popping sound, and they observed the airplane in a steep right turn. Then they heard a series of three rapid pops and the airplane went nose down and impacted the ground behind trees and an explosion was heard. Examination of the airplane found it completely destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.