Flight Details
A pilot departed Iola Airport under poor weather conditions to operate a cargo flight destined for Olathe-Johnson County Airport. The pilot was the sole occupant on board.
Accident Sequence
En route to the destination, the aircraft's communication systems, including both the transmitter and receiver, failed. While on approach, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which then stalled and crashed into a field. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and the pilot was killed.
Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall and subsequent crash after the pilot initiated flight in adverse weather conditions. Several contributing factors were reported: airframe ice; communication and navigation equipment failures involving transmitters and receivers; loss of radio communication; low ceiling; snow; icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain; visibility of half a mile or less; an inoperative NDB/ILS glideslope at the destination; low visibility during the approach; and ice accumulation on the wings and stabilizers.