What happened
During the final segment of an approach to Spirit Lake-Lake Okostoji Municipal Airport, an engine on the aircraft ceased functioning. In response to this loss of power, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver. During this process, the airplane entered a stall and descended into a residential structure situated in close proximity to the airport. The impact was followed by a significant post-crash fire that consumed both the aircraft and eight nearby condominiums.
While the incident resulted in two injuries among the occupants of the plane, no individuals on the ground were harmed during the collision or the subsequent fire.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified the primary cause as a powerplant failure for reasons that remain undetermined. Several contributing factors were noted regarding the flight's conclusion:
- The loss of power on one engine
- An attempt to perform a go-around using only a single engine
- Failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the maneuver
- Execution of improper emergency procedures