What happened
Following a landing at Miles City Airport, the flight crew was unable to bring the aircraft to a halt within the available distance. The plane continued past the end of the runway, rolling for several meters before striking construction equipment. This impact caused the airframe to catch fire immediately. The accident resulted in the deaths of three individuals, comprising both pilots and one passenger. Additionally, eleven other occupants sustained various injuries but managed to escape the burning wreckage.
The aircraft involved was a vintage model that had been delivered to Northwest Airlines in June 1939. It was completely destroyed in the incident.
Findings
The Civil Aeronautics Board determined that the primary cause of the accident was the captain's failure to complete the landing roll in time to avoid the obstruction at the runway's end. The specific reasons for this delay were not determined. Furthermore, the Board cited the pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff after the initial collision with the obstruction as a contributing factor.