Loss of control Accident Boeing 377 Stratocruiser 10-34 N31230,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 335789
 

Date:Wednesday 12 September 1951
Time:10:46
Type:Silhouette image of generic b377 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Boeing 377 Stratocruiser 10-34
Owner/operator:United Airlines
Registration: N31230
MSN: 15970/61
Year of manufacture:1949
Total airframe hrs:1971 hours
Engine model:Pratt & Whitney R-4360-B6
Fatalities:Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Aircraft damage: Destroyed, written off
Category:Accident
Location:off Redwood City, CA -   United States of America
Phase: Approach
Nature:Training
Departure airport:San Francisco International Airport, CA (SFO/KSFO)
Destination airport:San Francisco International Airport, CA (SFO/KSFO)
Investigating agency: CAB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
United Air Lines' Boeing Stratocruiser "Mainliner Oahu" was being used for a semi-annual instrument check of a captain. In addition, consideration had been given to investigating the feasibility of using the Oakland, California, Municipal Airport for certain phases of crew training in this type aircraft for a new class of pilots and flight engineers which was to convene that afternoon. The flight departed at 09:42 and reported on top of the broken scattered clouds four minutes later. The flight proceeded to Oakland, where a simulated ILS approach was carried out, followed by a missed approach procedure. The flight again reported on top at 10:36. Another simulated ILS approach was requested of the Oakland tower but the flight was advised that there would be a delay due to other traffic. In view of this, the pilot decided to return to San Francisco. At 10:39, the flight was cleared for an ILS approach to the San Francisco Airport. The aircraft, with No. 4 propeller feathered, stalled and abruptly dived from an altitude of approximately 300 feet and was demolished upon impact in San Francisco Bay.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "An inadvertent stall at a low altitude from which recovery was not effected."

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: CAB
Report number: final report
Status: Investigation completed
Duration:
Download report: Final report

Sources:

CAB File No. 1-0089

Location

Revision history:

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