On February 14, 1970, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N5659D) operated by Central Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled collision with ground during initial approach caused by the combination of the following factors: Powerplant problems caused by vacuum pumps failure, The pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed, Airframe ice, Ice on windshield, Icing… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A night mail flight crashed short of the runway at Kansas City Airport after the pilot reported engine problems. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
Accident Overview
A night mail flight operating on final approach to Kansas City Airport crashed a few miles short of the runway. The pilot encountered engine problems during the approach and subsequently lost control of the aircraft. The crash resulted in the destruction of the airplane and the death of the pilot.
Sequence of Events
The flight was conducting a night mail delivery and was on final approach when the pilot experienced engine difficulties. Control was lost, leading to an uncontrolled collision with the ground. The accident occurred under conditions of icing, including sleet and freezing rain, with weather slightly worse than forecast.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an uncontrolled collision with the ground during initial approach, resulting from a combination of factors: powerplant problems caused by vacuum pump failure; the pilot-in-command failing to maintain flying speed; airframe ice; ice on the windshield; icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain; weather conditions slightly worse than forecast; the pilot was aware of the icing conditions; and the left vacuum pump failed at an undetermined time, limiting de-icing capabilities.