No fatalities

DC-3C Noses Down During Landing Rollout in VFR Conditions (N135FS)

San Juan, PR, US

On March 10, 1992, a Douglas DC-3C (registration N135FS) operated by Four Star Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near San Juan, PR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER LOADING OF PERSONNEL, AND IMPROPER SUPERVISION OF THE FIRST OFFICER/CO-PILOT WHILE CALCULATING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS FOR THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N135FS
Aircraft registered N135FS. Photo: TedAnderson / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A DC-3C on a positioning flight nosed down during landing rollout, sustaining minor damage. All five occupants were uninjured. The aircraft had no cargo or ballast in the rear.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The incident involved a Douglas DC-3C aircraft operated by a 14 CFR Part 135 operator on a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). The crew consisted of a pilot in command (PIC), a second in command (SIC), an unauthorized jumpseat rider, and two cargo loaders, all located in the cockpit or forward compartment. No cargo, ballast, or passenger seats for the cargo loaders were present in the rear of the airplane at the time of the incident.

Incident Description

During the landing rollout on the runway, the DC-3C nosed down. The aircraft sustained minor damage as a result. None of the occupants—PIC, SIC, jumpseat rider, or cargo loaders—were injured.

Outcome

The source indicates no probable cause for the nose-down event. The aircraft was on a positioning flight with no revenue passengers or cargo. The incident occurred in VFR conditions during the landing rollout phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1992 Douglas DC-3C accident near San Juan, PR?

A DC-3C on a positioning flight nosed down during landing rollout, sustaining minor damage. All five occupants were uninjured. The aircraft had no cargo or ballast in the rear.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Mar 1992 Douglas DC-3C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1992 involved a Douglas DC-3C, registration N135FS, operated by Four Star Aviation Inc., at San Juan, PR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER LOADING OF PERSONNEL, AND IMPROPER SUPERVISION OF THE FIRST OFFICER/CO-PILOT WHILE CALCULATING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS FOR THE FLIGHT. THIS RESULTED IN THE FORWARD CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMIT BEING EXCEEDED AND SUBSEQUENT NOSE DOWN OF THE AIRPLANE ON THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14333. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.