On December 29, 1972, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration N9867) operated by Polaris Leasing Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Kent-J. D. Ranch Strip, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to keep up enough speed during a turn, which triggered an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane crashed while attempting to align with the approach path, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.
What happened
During the final stages of an approach, a twin engine airplane was being maneuvered by the pilot to intercept the landing course. While performing a turn intended to transition from the base leg to the final approach path, the aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall. The subsequent impact resulted in a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the airframe.
All four occupants on board the aircraft perished in the accident. At the time of the loss of control, the aircraft was noted to be in a clean configuration, meaning the landing gear and flaps were not extended.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the maneuver. This loss of velocity led directly to the wing stall that caused the aircraft to descend uncontrollably.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to keep up enough speed during a turn, which triggered an aerodynamic stall.