Narrative:
The DC-3 lost control in icing conditions and entered a left spin. The crew managed to regain partial control before entering another left spin. The aircraft then crashed in in a diving left turn. It appeared the pilot probably lost control due to icing. Severe air loads encountered during the spin or attempted recovery caused the failure of both horizontal stabilizer and elevators.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the loss of control of the aircraft which resulted from an icing condition, turbulence, and lack of alertness on the part of the crew. As a result, the aircraft spun, and during the spins, or attempted recovery from the spins, severe airloads were encountered which failed the left horizontal stabilizer and the elevators."
Tail failure
Loss of control
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Thursday 6 January 1949 |
| Time: | 07:20 |
| Type: |  Douglas C-47A-25-DK (DC-3A) |
| Operator: | Coastal Cargo |
| Registration: | NC53210 |
| MSN: | 13777 |
| First flight: | 1944 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43-90D |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Brandywine, MD ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Raleigh/Durham Airport, NC (RDU/KRDU), United States of America |
| Boston Commonwealth Airport, MA (BOS/KBOS), United States of America |
The DC-3 lost control in icing conditions and entered a left spin. The crew managed to regain partial control before entering another left spin. The aircraft then crashed in in a diving left turn. It appeared the pilot probably lost control due to icing. Severe air loads encountered during the spin or attempted recovery caused the failure of both horizontal stabilizer and elevators.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the loss of control of the aircraft which resulted from an icing condition, turbulence, and lack of alertness on the part of the crew. As a result, the aircraft spun, and during the spins, or attempted recovery from the spins, severe airloads were encountered which failed the left horizontal stabilizer and the elevators."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
IcingTail failure
Loss of control
Sources:
» CAB File No: 1-0034Photos
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 Raleigh/Durham Airport, NC to Boston Commonwealth Airport, MA as the crow flies is 978 km (611 miles).
Distance from Raleigh/Durham Airport, NC to Boston Commonwealth Airport, MA as the crow flies is 978 km (611 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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