Accident Overview
On August 27, 2025, at about 1158 central daylight time, a Cessna 340A, registration N888MT, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Kearney, Missouri. The pilot and passenger on board were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
ADS-B data indicated that the airplane departed Washington Regional Airport (KFYG) in Washington, Missouri, at about 1057. It cruised at an altitude of 4,500 ft mean sea level en route to the Midwest National Air Center Airport (KGPH) in Mosby, Missouri. Approximately 25 miles from the destination, the airplane began a descent and entered the traffic pattern for a left base turn. Its altitude was lower than typical for a standard traffic pattern and continued to decrease.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness residing near the accident site reported that the airplane appeared to be flying low and slow. The left wing dipped momentarily, then the wings returned to level, but the left wing dipped again. The airplane then rolled to the left until it collided with terrain.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane impacted an uncultivated soybean field about 0.6 miles from the approach end of runway 18. The initial impact point showed ground scars consistent with the left wing and nose of the airplane. A divot caused by the right engine contained the right propeller assembly, which had fractured at the crankshaft. The debris field was approximately 95 ft long, oriented along a 225° magnetic heading. The main wreckage included the fuselage, empennage, tail section, both wings, both engines, and the left propeller. It came to rest aligned on a 120° magnetic heading. A postimpact fire consumed a large portion of the fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
On-scene examination revealed that the landing gear was extended and the flaps were retracted. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. The cockpit instrumentation and electronic displays were largely destroyed by fire. The wreckage was retained for further examination.