What happened
The aircraft was operating a flight from Fargo to Billings when weather conditions at the destination deteriorated significantly. Heavy snow reduced visibility from ten miles to just half a mile as the crew prepared for landing. During the final approach to Billings Airport, the airplane descended too low and struck a tree. The impact caused the airframe to break apart and catch fire in a snow-covered field located 400 meters short of the runway threshold.
The accident resulted in 19 fatalities and left four individuals seriously injured. The crew consisted of two pilots, both of whom perished in the crash. Among the passengers were twenty-one veterans; seventeen died, while four survivors sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred during the approach phase of flight under poor visibility conditions.
Findings
Investigations by the Air Force Historical Research Agency indicated that the pilot descended too rapidly during the final left turn. The crew failed to account for the possibility of a downdraft in the turbulent weather. Consequently, the aircraft dropped below the level of the surrounding field while still in a turning attitude. This loss of altitude led directly to the collision with the tree and the subsequent fire.