What happened
During a flight departing from Garden City, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. While en route to Dodge City, the pilot notified Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) regarding engine issues. Although air traffic controllers provided vectors toward Dodge City Airport, the pilot deviated from assigned headings and instead returned toward Garden City to attempt an instrument approach.
As the aircraft attempted to establish itself on the localizer, radar data showed a failure to maintain a stabilized approach. The aircraft experienced a significant reduction in ground speed while trying to intercept the localizer. Approximately two miles from the airport, radar contact was lost as the aircraft's speed dropped toward its stall threshold. The aircraft subsequently crashed roughly two miles short and to the right of the approach course.
Upon investigation, the wreckage showed the aircraft impacted the terrain in a vertical, nose-down attitude while turning away from the airport. While the left propeller was found in the feathered position, investigators found no mechanical defects in the engines; the right engine was producing full power at the time of impact. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigation into the crash identified several contributing factors related to flight maneuvers and environmental conditions:
- The pilot failed to maintain proper alignment with the localizer during the approach.
- A missed approach procedure was not initiated despite the deteriorating flight state.
- The aircraft's airspeed was not maintained, leading to an inadvertent stall.
- Flight operations were conducted during dark night conditions with poor visibility.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience with this specific aircraft type.