On December 26, 1973, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N118X) operated by Tricon Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas-Love Field, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall and spin during traffic pattern circling after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Improperly loaded aircraft and CofG, - Suspected mechanical discrepancy, - CofG 8.9… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff from Dallas-Love Field, a pilot reported serious problems and attempted to return for an emergency landing but lost control, crashing onto houses. The pilot was killed; no ground injuries.
Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Dallas-Love Field Airport, while climbing, the pilot informed air traffic control about serious problems and elected to return for an emergency landing. The controller cleared the pilot to do so. The pilot completed a turn to rejoin the airport when control of the airplane was lost. The aircraft crashed onto several houses near the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was killed. There were no injuries on the ground.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a stall and spin during traffic pattern circling after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following factors were reported as contributing to the accident:
Inadequate preflight preparation
Improperly loaded aircraft and center of gravity (CofG) position
Suspected mechanical discrepancy
Center of gravity located 8.9 inches aft of the rear limit
What happened in the 26 Dec 1973 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Dallas-Love Field, United States of America?
Shortly after takeoff from Dallas-Love Field, a pilot reported serious problems and attempted to return for an emergency landing but lost control, crashing onto houses. The pilot was killed; no ground injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1973 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Dec 1973 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N118X, operated by Tricon Airlines, at Dallas-Love Field, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Stall and spin during traffic pattern circling after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Improperly loaded aircraft and CofG, - Suspected mechanical discrepancy, - CofG 8.9 inches after the rear limit.
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