Accident Overview
A mail flight encountered difficulties after a night takeoff from Kansas City Airport. The airplane stalled and crashed near the runway end, resulting in serious injuries to both pilots. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Investigation Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a stall during initial climb, caused by inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the flying crew. Several contributing factors were reported:
- Airframe ice
- Icing conditions, including sleet and freezing rain
- Improperly loaded aircraft—weight and center of gravity
- Frost on wings
- Aircraft over gross takeoff weight
The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, operator, or date. The time of day was night, and the flight was a mail service.