4 fatalities

2008-01-12: Cessna 340 (N2637Y) — Private United States of America — Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of America

Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 12, 2008, a Cessna 340 (registration N2637Y) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during the landing approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781197679Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed short of the runway in a residential backyard during landing approach. The pilot, with limited experience in the aircraft type, had previously ignored stall warnings. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed short of the runway during a landing approach, coming to rest in a residential backyard. A witness observed the aircraft slow and stall before impact.

Previous Flight with Airport Manager

Eight days before the accident, an airport manager flew with the pilot. During that flight, the manager noted that the pilot flew the approach and landing with the aural stall warning horn activated. The manager advised the pilot of the warning, but no corrective action was taken by the pilot during that flight.

Investigation Findings

An on-scene investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. The pilot had accumulated approximately 12.6 hours of flight time in the accident airplane, of which 7.7 hours were dual instruction. The pilot's minimal experience in twin-engine airplanes and history of flying the airplane too slow were noted.

Probable Cause

The official finding states that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during the landing approach.