On October 20, 1970, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N6637L) operated by Gerald R. Hamm was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Wayne, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper IFR operation on part of the pilot who failed to obtain/maintain flying speed on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot was killed when the airplane struck the ground and caught fire after a loss of control during a steep turn at low altitude while approaching Fort Wayne Airport in fog, rain, and low clouds.
Accident Details
While executing an approach to Fort Wayne Airport, the pilot encountered limited visibility due to poor weather conditions, including fog, rain, and low clouds. The pilot reduced altitude to the minimum and subsequently lost control of the airplane while completing a steep turn at low altitude. The aircraft struck the ground and was engulfed in flames. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot, who failed to obtain or maintain flying speed on final approach. The following factors were reported: low ceiling, rain, and fog; weather conditions slightly worse than forecast; descent below published approach minimums; and loss of control during a steep low altitude turn.