What happened
A cargo flight, designated as Trip 40-20 and operating an N 49551, departed Jackson, Michigan, with a scheduled stop at Fairfax Airport in Kansas City, Kansas. Before departure, the crew reviewed weather reports and filed an instrument flight rules plan for a cruising altitude of 10,000 feet. Company records indicated that the takeoff weight was within approved limits and the center of gravity was properly balanced.
During the flight, the aircraft received instructions to descend to 2,500 feet while passing over Burlington, Iowa. As the flight approached Kansas City, air traffic control provided updated weather information indicating low ceilings, fog, and light freezing drizzle. The crew was cleared for an ADF approach to Runway 31 at Fairfax Airport. After passing the outer marker at 0705, the pilot contacted the tower to confirm the runway in use and wind conditions. Following this communication, the aircraft disappeared from radio contact.
The wreckage of the N 49551 was later discovered approximately 400 feet north and 156 feet west of the approach to Runway 17 at Kansas City Municipal Airport. There were no survivors reported in the crash.
Findings
Investigation into the accident revealed several contributing factors related to the flight conditions and aircraft configuration:
- The weather ceiling at Fairfax Airport was 100 feet below the prescribed minimums.
- The crew encountered restricted visibility while attempting a circling approach to Runway 31.
- Significant ice had accumulated on the aircraft type during the descent and approach phases.
- The use of deicer boots at low airspeeds increased the stalling speed, leading to a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery.