What happened
Following a multi-hour delay at Dunkirk caused by snow, the crew prepared the aircraft with 230 gallons of fuel. Two previous takeoff attempts had been aborted earlier that morning because snow had accumulated on the airframe while parked. At 0808, an IFR flight plan was filed for a route to Detroit via Clear Creek, Canada, at an altitude of 4,000 feet. The flight departed Dunkirk at 0837 with a total gross weight of 27,050 pounds, which exceeded the maximum allowable limit by 150 pounds.
As the flight approached Detroit City Airport, Approach Control informed the crew that visibility was reduced to one mile due to smoke and snow showers. The tower controller observed the aircraft at approximately 700 feet altitude with its landing gear extended. After passing over the airport, the crew requested permission to perform a left circling maneuver before landing on Runway 25. While executing this turn, the aircraft was seen making a sharp 180-degree change in direction approximately three-quarters of a mile east of the runway approach end.
Following the maneuver, the aircraft failed to maintain altitude and struck a chimney of a residence in a Detroit residential district. The impact continued as the plane hit a second house located roughly 45 feet away. A fire broke out at the site, partially destroying the wreckage. The accident resulted in three fatalities, including both pilots and one individual on the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a gross weight of 27,050 pounds, which was 150 pounds over the permitted limit.
- The pilot performed a steep turn during the final approach without maintaining sufficient airspeed, leading to a loss of altitude.