Accident description
Last updated: 24 May 2013
| Status: | Final |
| Date: | 11 MAY 1947 |
| Time: | 09:39 |
| Type: | Lockheed L-049 Constellation |
| Operator: | Transcontinental & Western Air - TWA |
| Registration: | NC86508 |
| C/n / msn: | 2029 |
| First flight: | 1945 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 2214 |
| Engines: | 4 Wright R-3850-35 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4 |
| Airplane damage: | Written off |
| Airplane fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | ca 11 km W off Cape May Pount, Delaware Bay, NJ (United States of America)
 |
| Phase: | Maneuvering (MNV) |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE (ILG/KILG), United States of America |
| Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE (ILG/KILG), United States of America |
The Constellation, named "Star of Athens", was on a transition training flight when control was lost during a left turn at 2500 feet. The aircraft entered a tight diving spiral, came out of the spiral but continued to descend until striking the water at a 45deg angle.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board finds that the probable cause of this accident was loss of control of the aircraft for reasons undetermined." Events:
Sources:
» CAB File No. 1-0033-47
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE to Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE as the crow flies is 0 km (0 miles).
Distance from Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE to Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE as the crow flies is 0 km (0 miles).
