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Twin-engine aircraft crash on Mount Diablo slope near Walnut Creek (44-87062)

Mt Diablo, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 8, 1946, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration 44-87062) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Diablo, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain during a turn at an insufficient altitude while operating in poor visibility conditions with deteriorating weather. 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 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area on the slope of Mt Diablo east of Walnut Creek after the crew elected to return to Oakland due to deteriorating weather. The impact destroyed the plane and killed both occupants.

What happened

Following departure from Oakland Airport, the flight crew received air traffic control instructions to maintain a minimum safe altitude of 3,000 feet or remain at least 500 feet above cloud cover. As weather conditions deteriorated during the climb, the captain decided to return to the origin airport. While executing a final right turn at an insufficient altitude, the twin-engine aircraft struck treetops before impacting the ground in a wooded area on the slope of Mt Diablo, east of Walnut Creek.

The collision forces destroyed the airframe. At the time of the accident, the mountain was obscured by clouds and visibility was poor. Both individuals aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain during a turn at an insufficient altitude while operating in poor visibility conditions with deteriorating weather.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 1946 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Mt Diablo, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area on the slope of Mt Diablo east of Walnut Creek after the crew elected to return to Oakland due to deteriorating weather. The impact destroyed the plane and killed both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 1946 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 1946 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration 44-87062, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Mt Diablo, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain during a turn at an insufficient altitude while operating in poor visibility conditions with deteriorating weather.

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