Zone
Iowa

Crash of a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air in Spirit Lake

Date & Time: Aug 7, 1981 at 1720 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 65 Queen Air
Operator:
Registration:
N805Q
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Rockford – Spirit Lake
MSN:
LC-16
YOM:
1960
Location:
Spirit Lake-Lake Okoboji
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
21500
Captain / Total hours on type:
7820.00
Circumstances:
On short final to Spirit Lake-Lake Okoboji Airport, the left engine failed. The airplane lost height and struck the runway surface. Out of control, it veered off runway and collided with a fence, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- The pilot failed to maintain flying speed,
- Complete engine failure,
- Propeller slash marks 21 inches apart,
- Propeller not feathered.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401 in Spirit Lake

Date & Time: Jul 11, 1980 at 2220 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 401
Operator:
Leonard Stoller
Registration:
N3249Q
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
City
Schedule:
Dubuque - Spirit Lake
MSN:
401-0049
YOM:
1967
Location:
Spirit Lake-Lake Okoboji
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1800
Captain / Total hours on type:
70.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Spirit Lake-Lake Okoboji Municipal Airport, during the last segment, one of the engine failed. The pilot decided to initiate a go-around when the airplane stalled and crashed on a residential building located near the airport, bursting into flames. The aircraft and eight condominiums were destroyed by a post crash fire. While both people on board the airplane were injured, there were no injuries on ground.
Probable cause:
Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to maintain flying speed,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Complete engine failure on engine,
- Single engine go-around.
Final Report:
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