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5 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Radio Antenna on VOR/DME Approach, Five Killed (N57V)

Washington DC, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 25, 1975, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration N57V) operated by The Columbus Dispatch Printing Company was involved in an aviation accident near Washington DC, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The following findings were reported: - Low ceiling, - High obstructions, - Separation of the left wing in flight, - Descended below minimum approach segment altitude during VOR/DME approach, - Hit… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a VOR/DME approach to Washington-National Airport, a twin-engine aircraft struck a radio antenna after descending below minimum altitude due to low clouds. The left wing separated, and the aircraft crashed in flames on the American University campus, destroying the aircraft and killing all five occupants.

Accident Overview

On a VOR/DME approach to Washington-National Airport, the flight crew encountered low clouds and failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. During the final approach segment, the twin-engine airplane struck a radio antenna. The impact caused the left wing to separate from the airframe. The aircraft then crashed in flames in the garden of the American University campus and was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All five occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation could not determine the exact cause of the accident. The following findings were reported: low ceiling, high obstructions, separation of the left wing in flight, the aircraft descended below the minimum approach segment altitude during the VOR/DME approach, and it struck a radio tower, which caused the left wing to separate.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The following findings were reported: - Low ceiling, - High obstructions, - Separation of the left wing in flight, - Descended below minimum approach segment altitude during VOR/DME approach, - Hit radio tower, causing the left wing to separate.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jan 1975 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident near Washington DC, United States of America?

During a VOR/DME approach to Washington-National Airport, a twin-engine aircraft struck a radio antenna after descending below minimum altitude due to low clouds. The left wing separated, and the aircraft crashed in flames on the American University campus, destroying the aircraft and killing all five occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jan 1975 Beechcraft 90 King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jan 1975 involved a Beechcraft 90 King Air, registration N57V, operated by The Columbus Dispatch Printing Company, at Washington DC, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The following findings were reported: - Low ceiling, - High obstructions, - Separation of the left wing in flight, - Descended below minimum approach segment altitude during VOR/DME approach, - Hit radio tower, causing the left wing to separate.

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