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Aircraft Crash Due to Wake Turbulence (N9943Z)

Chicago-O'Hare, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 23, 1968, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N9943Z) operated by Executive Airlines - 1968 (USA) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by vortex from a preceding aircraft landing at the same airport. The pilot did not allow adequate separation behind landing jet aircraft. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control of an airplane while on the glide path, causing a crash short of the runway. The pilot was injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact.

Incident Overview and Outcome During the approach, the pilot was properly aligned on the glide path when control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane subsequently crashed a few miles short of the runway threshold. The pilot sustained injuries in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control resulting from a vortex generated by a preceding aircraft that had landed at the same airport. The findings also noted that the pilot did not maintain adequate separation behind the landing jet aircraft.

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Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot lost control of an airplane while on the glide path, causing a crash short of the runway. The pilot was injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact.

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

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1968 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?

Loss of control caused by vortex from a preceding aircraft landing at the same airport. The pilot did not allow adequate separation behind landing jet aircraft.

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