Accident Douglas C-118A (DC-6) N33VX, Wednesday 20 July 1988

Date:	Wednesday 20 July 1988
Time:	19:24
Type:	Douglas C-118A (DC-6)
Owner/operator:	TACA International Airlines
Registration:	N33VX
MSN:	44615/541
Year of manufacture:	1955
Total airframe hrs:	27978 hours
Engine model:	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB3
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	Golden Meadow, LA - United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Cargo
Departure airport:	San Salvador-Comalapa International Airport (SAL/MSLP)
Destination airport:	New Orleans International Airport, LA (MSY/KMSY)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
After a 4,3 hour flight (with fuel for 7 hours on board) the no. 1, 2 and 3 engines lost power. During an emergency landing, the landing gear struck a levee, the wing hit the ground and the aircraft struck a drainage ditch.
Fuel was lost due to an open drain valve inside the no. 4 engine nacelle.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
"Fluid,fuel .. exhaustion
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
Light condition .. dusk
Terrain condition .. dirt bank/rising embankment
Terrain condition .. water"

Accident investigation: