Narrative:
Departure from Seattle was delayed due to ground fog. De-icing attempts were partially successful as the plane was prepared for departure. Although visibility was below minima, clearance was given for takeoff. At 1800 feet into the takeoff roll the DC-3 became airborne. The left wing then struck the ground and dragged for 117 feet. The DC-3 landed back outside the runway and continued until striking a hangar, bursting into flames.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the attempt to take off in an airplane which had formations of ice and frost on the surfaces of the wings."
Loss of control
» CAB File No. 1-0002
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Sunday 2 January 1949 |
| Time: | 22:03 |
| Type: |  Douglas C-47A-50-DL (DC-3) |
| Operator: | Seattle Air Charter |
| Registration: | NC79025 |
| MSN: | 10181 |
| First flight: | 1943 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 5419 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90D |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 27 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 30 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA (BFI) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Takeoff (TOF) |
| Nature: | Domestic Non Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA (BFI/KBFI), United States of America |
| New Haven-Tweed Airport, CT (HVN/KHVN), United States of America |
Departure from Seattle was delayed due to ground fog. De-icing attempts were partially successful as the plane was prepared for departure. Although visibility was below minima, clearance was given for takeoff. At 1800 feet into the takeoff roll the DC-3 became airborne. The left wing then struck the ground and dragged for 117 feet. The DC-3 landed back outside the runway and continued until striking a hangar, bursting into flames.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the attempt to take off in an airplane which had formations of ice and frost on the surfaces of the wings."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
IcingLoss of control
Sources:
» Air Britain Casualty compendium (pt. 48)» CAB File No. 1-0002
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 Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA to New Haven-Tweed Airport, CT as the crow flies is 3891 km (2432 miles).
Distance from Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA to New Haven-Tweed Airport, CT as the crow flies is 3891 km (2432 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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Douglas DC-3
- ca 13.000 built
- 2711th loss
- 913th fatal accident
- 174th worst accident (at the time)
- 383rd worst accident (currently)
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