Status:	Schlussbericht
Datum:	13 NOV 1946
Zeit:	03:41
Flugzeugtyp:	Douglas C-53D-DO (DC-3)
Fluggesellschaft:	Western Air Lines
Kennzeichen:	NC18645
Werknummer:	11662
Baujahr:	1943
Betriebsstunden:	6229
Triebwerk:	2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92
Besatzung:	Todesopfer: 3 / Insassen: 3
Fluggäste:	Todesopfer: 8 / Insassen: 8
Gesamt:	Todesopfer: 11 / Insassen: 11
Sachschaden:	Zerstört
Konsequenzen:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Unfallort:	22,5 km (14.1 Meilen) S of Lebec, CA (USA)
Flugphase:	Während des Fluges (ENR)
Betriebsart:	Inländischer planmäßiger Passagierflug
Flug von:	Las Vegas Airport, NV, USA
Flug nach:	Hollywood-Lockheed Air Terminal, CA (BUR/KBUR), USA
Flugnummer:	23

Unfallbericht:
The flight departed Las Vegas for Burbank at 01:50 on an instrument flight plan to cruise at 10.000 feet. Near Burbank the flight deviated off airways and the let down was started over mountainous terrain. While descending through 5900 feet, the DC-3 flew into the northern slope of White Mountain approximately 75 feet from the crest, 10 miles west of the airway.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in making an instrument letdown without previously establishing a positive radio fix. This action was aggravated by conditions of severe static, wind in excess of anticipated velocities, preoccupation with an unusual amount of radio conversation, and the inoperative Newhall radio range."

Informationsquelle:
» CAB File No. 5413-46
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