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).
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.