Accident Douglas DC-3C TG-SAB, Sunday 16 January 1983

Date:	Sunday 16 January 1983
Time:	03:00
Type:	Douglas DC-3C
Owner/operator:	Unknown
Registration:	TG-SAB
MSN:	18978
Year of manufacture:	1943
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	near Bay City, TX - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Illegal Flight
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
While airdropping bales of marijuana at low altitude over a beach, a propeller struck the beach causing it to be torn off. The aircraft then continued about 600 feet and landed gear up on the beach. The crew (presumably 2 persons) unsuccessfully attempted to set the aircraft on fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
Altitude .. misjudged .. pilot in command
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
Low pass .. performed .. pilot in command
Light condition .. dark night
Propeller system/accessories .. separation
Wheels up landing .. performed .. pilot in command

Accident investigation: