Narrative:
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."
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Wednesday 13 November 1946 |
| Time: | 03:41 |
| Type: |  Douglas DC-3A |
| Operator: | Western Air Lines |
| Registration: | NC18645 |
| MSN: | 11662 |
| First flight: | 1943 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 6229 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | 22,5 km (14.1 mls) S of Lebec, CA ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Las Vegas McCarran Field, NV (LSV/KLSV), United States of America |
| Hollywood-Lockheed Air Terminal, CA (BUR/KBUR), United States of America | |
| Flightnumber: | 23 |
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:
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."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
Sources:
» CAB File No. 5413-46Photos
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 Las Vegas McCarran Field, NV to Hollywood-Lockheed Air Terminal, CA as the crow flies is 375 km (234 miles).
Distance from Las Vegas McCarran Field, NV to Hollywood-Lockheed Air Terminal, CA as the crow flies is 375 km (234 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.
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation