Accident Summary
A twin-engine airplane was destroyed when it crashed in an open field several miles from Cedar Rapids Airport. The crew had initiated an ILS approach in poor weather conditions. Control of the aircraft was lost, and it dove into the ground. All five occupants were killed.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained total destruction. Investigation revealed that during the flight, under poor weather conditions, the left wing, left engine, and tail separated from the aircraft. This separation rendered the aircraft uncontrollable.
Weather and Approach
Weather conditions at the time included low ceiling, fog, snow, and turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorms. The crew began the descent for the ILS approach later than expected, and it is believed they expedited the descent.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined the probable cause was improper in-flight decisions by the pilot-in-command, who exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft. Contributing factors included overload failure, in-flight separation of the left wing, left engine, and tail, low ceiling, fog and snow, turbulence from clouds and thunderstorms, a late start to the ILS descent, and an expedited descent by the crew.