What happened
On May 24, 1953, a Meteor Air Transport flight, operating N 53596, was conducting a transport mission from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The aircraft, a C-46, was carrying a Pratt and Whitney R-2800 engine along with four employees. During the flight, the crew transitioned from a VFR flight plan to an instrument flight plan as they approached St. Louis, Missouri.
While executing an ILS approach to Runway 24, the aircraft encountered weather conditions consisting of fog, smoke, and a 400-foot overcast ceiling. After passing the Alton intersection and the Outer Marker, the crew reported an engine failure while over the airfield. The air traffic controller observed the aircraft flying south of the field at approximately 300 feet with its landing gear extended. As the plane descended to 200 feet, it began a climbing left turn before disappearing into the clouds.
The aircraft subsequently crashed near Brown Road, adjacent to gate number 6 of the McDonnell Aircraft Plant. Of the seven people on board, there were 6 fatalities and 1 survivor.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the accident was caused by the mismanagement of fuel, which led to a loss of power and control while the aircraft was circling the airport in preparation for landing. Although sufficient fuel was available for continued flight, the failure to manage the fuel supply caused the right engine to stop. The aircraft struck the ground on its right wing during a left turn near the southeast corner of the airfield.