Accident
On approach to Davenport Airport, the right wing of a twin-engine airplane detached. The aircraft subsequently went out of control and crashed in an open field located a few miles from the airfield. The impact totally destroyed the aircraft, and all six occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a structural failure of the right wing on descent due to fatigue cracks. The following factors were identified in the report:
- Airframe wings spars involvement.
- Fatigue fracture of the wing structure.
- Inadequate inspection of the aircraft by maintenance personnel.
- A preexisting crack on the lower spar cap at station WS-81 that was discernible but not detected over a 6-year period.
- The right wing folded upward during the sequence of failure.
Aircraft Information
The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, or other details. The twin-engine airplane was destroyed in the crash.