Accident Sequence
At approximately 1530 CDT, the aircraft departed Mattoon, Illinois, on a flight to Mankato, Minnesota. The pilot subsequently landed at Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he refueled and topped the tanks with 45.5 gallons of fuel. The aircraft's usable fuel capacity was 48 gallons. While refueling, the pilot reportedly told the airport manager that he thought he was at Mankato when he was landing at Albert Lea. Albert Lea is located about 42 miles from Mankato. The airport manager stated that the pilot looked tired and that he (the manager) tried to persuade the pilot to continue the trip by automobile.
The aircraft departed Albert Lea at about 2050 CDT. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted Mankato UNICOM and was provided landing information.
Collision and Impact
During a night landing, the aircraft struck a power line approximately 65 feet above ground level and 4,327 feet from the runway. After striking the power line, the aircraft nosed over and impacted the ground in an inverted attitude.
Occupants and Injuries
The two front seat occupants were fatally injured. Two young children in the back seats, both in child restraint seats, survived; one of the children sustained minor injuries.
Operational Details
The runway VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator) lights were on at the time of the accident.