What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation originating from Chicago, an aircraft was performing its final approach toward the runway at La Crosse Airport. While maneuvering for landing, the pilot experienced a loss of control over the aircraft. The plane entered a nose-down attitude and struck the ground a short distance, approximately several dozen yards, before reaching the runway threshold.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft type (not specified) and led to one fatality involving the pilot. No other occupants were reported on the flight.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified a mechanical failure within the wing flap control system as the primary driver of the uncontrolled descent. The investigation highlighted that the flaps became asymmetrical during the approach phase. This condition was triggered by an overload failure, specifically involving the compression of a control rod which prevented the flaps from functioning symmetrically.