On December 18, 1968, a Beechcraft G18S (registration N5730U) operated by North Air was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: - The pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed, - Poorly planned approach, - Aircraft not aligned with runway, - Icing conditions, including sleet and freezing rain, - Fog, -… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft stalled and crashed during a last turn to join the approach path at Kenai, injuring all nine occupants, four seriously. Icing conditions were present.
Accident
While approaching Kenai, the crew encountered icing conditions. During the last turn to join the approach path, the twin-engine aircraft stalled and crashed a few kilometers short of the runway. All nine occupants on board were injured, with four of them sustaining serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined a combination of factors likely caused the accident. These included the pilot's failure to obtain or maintain flying speed, a poorly planned approach, and the aircraft not being aligned with the runway. Additionally, environmental conditions played a role: icing conditions, including sleet and freezing rain, fog, heavy aircraft icing with ice fog encountered during the circling approach, and a stall that occurred while attempting to align with the runway.
Probable cause
The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: - The pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed, - Poorly planned approach, - Aircraft not aligned with runway, - Icing conditions, including sleet and freezing rain, - Fog, - Heavy aircraft icing with ice fog encountered during circling approach, - Stalled during attempt to align with runway.