Narrative:
About one minute after takeoff the aircraft encountered windshear and possible precipitation turbulence, causing the nose to pitch up. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea; an explosion followed.
CAUSE: Unrecoverable stall due to shifting of winds.
Loss of control
accident date: 13-01-1970
type: Douglas C-47B (DC-3)
registration: 5W-FAC
| Status: | |
| Date: | Tuesday 13 January 1970 |
| Time: | 02:54 |
| Type: |  Douglas C-47B-45-DK (DC-3D) |
| Operator: | Polynesian Airlines |
| Registration: | 5W-FAC |
| MSN: | 34224/16964 |
| First flight: | 1945 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90C |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 29 / Occupants: 29 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 32 / Occupants: 32 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | off Apia-Faleolo Airport (APW) ( Samoa)
|
| Phase: | Initial climb (ICL) |
| Nature: | Int'l Non Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Apia-Faleolo Airport (APW/NSFA), Samoa |
| Pago Pago International Airport (PPG/NSTU), American Samoa | |
| Flightnumber: | 208B |
About one minute after takeoff the aircraft encountered windshear and possible precipitation turbulence, causing the nose to pitch up. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea; an explosion followed.
Probable Cause:
CAUSE: Unrecoverable stall due to shifting of winds.
Classification:
Windshear/downdraftLoss of control
Photos
accident date: 13-01-1970
type: Douglas C-47B (DC-3)
registration: 5W-FAC
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 Apia-Faleolo Airport to Pago Pago International Airport as the crow flies is 150 km (94 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
Distance from Apia-Faleolo Airport to Pago Pago International Airport as the crow flies is 150 km (94 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
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.
languages: 
Samoa
Share
Douglas DC-3
- ca 13.000 built
- 3991st loss
- 1585th fatal accident
- 21st worst accident (at the time)
- 29th worst accident (currently)
Samoa- The worst accident
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