Crash of a Beechcraft Queen Air 65 in Mobile: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 26, 1969 at 0053 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N3333M
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Albany - Mobile
MSN:
LC-065
YOM:
1961
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
14000
Captain / Total hours on type:
587.00
Circumstances:
The pilot started a night approach to Mobile Airport when he encountered severe turbulences. He lost control of the airplane that crashed few hundred yards short of runway threshold. A passenger was injured while three other occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the airport was closed (closing times are 0000LT till 0600LT) and there was no ATC employee at tower.
Probable cause:
Loss of control on final approach due to wake turbulences caused by a DC-9 preceding the Queen Air. It was reported that the crew of the DC-9 was practicing landings and ILS low approaches.
Final Report: