What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Des Moines to Chicago, the pilot experienced mechanical difficulties involving the engines. In response to these engine problems, the decision was made to divert the flight to Muscatine for an emergency landing.
Upon arrival at the destination, poor visibility prevented the crew from immediately identifying the runway. The pilot performed three low passes over the field in an attempt to establish visual contact with the landing area before initiating an approach toward runway 12. During the final approach phase, the aircraft type struck the ground approximately 1,245 feet before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and one fatality involving the pilot.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the aircraft's powerplants. The primary cause was determined to be an engine failure during flight. Specific contributing elements included:
- The presence of icing conditions, specifically involving freezing rain and sleet
- The occurrence of carburetor icing within the induction system
- Improper management of powerplant controls and operations
- Failure to utilize necessary anti-icing or deicing equipment
- A loss of power affecting both engines
- Inadequate maintenance of flying speed during the approach