Accident Details
A twin-engine aircraft conducting a local training flight crashed into residential properties on Tuttle Avenue in East Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft was on approach to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base when it went out of control and impacted the ground, destroying at least four houses and erupting in flames.
Casualties
Both pilots were killed in the crash: Maj James Melancon (pilot) and Cpt Wilho R. Heikkinen (copilot). Two civilians on the ground also lost their lives: Mildred VanZant and Walter Geisler.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loose engine cowling that moved forward into the propeller, leading to loss of control.