What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Tulsa toward Kansas City, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure when the right engine ceased functioning. Following this initial malfunction, the pilot notified air traffic control to declare an emergency. In an effort to reach a suitable landing site, the pilot began descending; however, during this maneuver, the left engine also lost power.
Unable to maintain flight on a single engine, the aircraft struck trees and impacted a prairie, where it subsequently caught fire. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and left the pilot with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements to the crash sequence. The primary factor was the total loss of power across both engines during the flight. Additional complicating factors included:
- Presence of tall trees at the impact site
- Reduced visibility due to nighttime conditions
- An engine failure occurring during standard cruise flight
- Reports from the pilot regarding low fuel levels