On December 21, 1972, a Beechcraft H18 (registration N800G) operated by Williams Patent Crusher & Pulverizer Company was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomington, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain flying speed after suffering physical impairment. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Bloomington Airport, the pilot lost control of the twin-engine aircraft, which nosed down and crashed in flames short of the runway. Both occupants were killed. The probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed after suffering physical impairment, with factors including carbon monoxide poisoning, icing conditions, and fog.
Accident
During final approach to Bloomington Airport, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane nosed down and impacted the ground in flames, coming to rest a few hundred yards short of the runway threshold. The twin-engine aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause and Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed after suffering physical impairment. Several contributing factors were reported: airframe ice, icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain, carbon monoxide poisoning, fog, known icing conditions, a circling approach to land, and a carbon monoxide level of 35% from an undetermined source.
