Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane was destroyed and all eight occupants were killed when it crashed in flames in a prairie near Utica, approximately 14 miles southeast of Stanford. The accident occurred in the evening during a local pleasure flight that had departed from Stanford Airport.
Flight Details
The aircraft was flying at a relatively low altitude when the pilot lost control, leading to the crash. The airplane impacted the ground in a prairie area, resulting in a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the aircraft stalled due to insufficient speed. Factors reported included the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, unwarranted low flying, physical impairment, and alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment. The pilot's blood alcohol level was found to be 0.9‰. It was also reported that the pilot had buzzed a tavern twice prior to the accident.