Loss of control during approach near runway threshold

No fatalities • Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold following a loss of control during its final approach, resulting in one injury and total hull loss.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft was positioned correctly on the glide path toward the destination. However, while maintaining this alignment, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of control over the aircraft type. This instability led to a crash occurring several miles before reaching the runway threshold.

As a result of the impact, the aircraft was completely destroyed. The incident resulted in one injury sustained by the pilot, with no other fatalities reported.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the presence of wake turbulence. Specifically, the loss of control was triggered by a vortex generated by a preceding jet aircraft that had landed at the same airport. The findings indicate that the pilot failed to maintain sufficient separation distance from the landing jet, leaving the aircraft vulnerable to the aerodynamic disturbances left in its wake.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from a preceding jet aircraft resulted in encountering wake turbulence that caused a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-02-23 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold following a loss of control during its final approach, resulting in one injury and total hull loss.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-02-23 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-02-23 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N9943Z, operated by Executive Airlines - 1968 (USA), at Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from a preceding jet aircraft resulted in encountering wake turbulence that caused a loss of control.

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