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4 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash During Climb (43-35565)

Fort McCoy, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On July 6, 1953, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration 43-35565) operated by United States Coast Guard - USCG was involved in an aviation accident near Fort McCoy, United States of America during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine shortly after liftoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cross-country aircraft experienced a left engine failure after refueling and stalled during a return turn, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and fatalities of all four crew members.

Summary

A cross-country flight ended in tragedy after the left engine failed shortly after takeoff, leading to a stall and crash. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft was on a cross-country flight that included an overnight stop in La Crosse, Wisconsin, due to poor weather. The next morning, it departed for nearby Fort McCoy to refuel. After refueling, the airplane departed Fort McCoy for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. During the initial climb, the left engine lost power. The pilot-in-command elected to return and initiated a left turn. During the turn, the aircraft stalled and crashed.

Occupants

The crew consisted of four individuals: Lcdr LeWayne N. Felts, Cpt Phillip M. Clinton, 1st Lt Rory G. Jahn, and Cwo Kenneth Ziegler. All four were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

Probable cause (official findings): Failure of the left engine shortly after liftoff.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 1953 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Fort McCoy, United States of America?

A cross-country aircraft experienced a left engine failure after refueling and stalled during a return turn, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and fatalities of all four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 1953 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 1953 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration 43-35565, operated by United States Coast Guard - USCG, at Fort McCoy, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine shortly after liftoff.

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