Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft crashed approximately two miles short and to the right of the runway at Dodge City Airport. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed in the accident. Investigators found no mechanical problems with the aircraft.
Flight and Communication
The aircraft departed Garden City under extremely poor weather conditions. En route to Dodge City, the pilot reported engine problems to Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). Controllers provided vectors to Dodge City Airport, but the pilot did not maintain assigned headings. Instead, the aircraft turned back toward Garden City in an attempt to conduct an instrument approach.
Final Approach and Descent
Radar vectors were provided for the localizer approach, but the aircraft did not become stabilized on the approach. There was a significant loss of ground speed as the pilot attempted to establish on the localizer. Radar contact was lost about two miles from the airport, with the aircraft approaching stall speed. The aircraft impacted in a vertical nose-down attitude on a heading that indicated a turn away from the airport. The left propeller was found in the feathered position, while the right engine appeared to be producing full power at impact.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified two occurrences: a partial loss of engine power (non-mechanical) during cruise, and a subsequent loss of control during the approach. The pilot's actions included feathering a propeller, not maintaining proper alignment, not performing a missed approach, not maintaining airspeed (Vmc), and inadvertently stalling the aircraft. The pilot's lack of total experience in the type of aircraft was also cited as a factor.