Boeing 247 accident at Newhall, United States of America, 27 Dec 1936 (NC13355)
On December 27, 1936, a Boeing 247 (registration NC13355) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Newhall, United States of America during landing or approach. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was an error on the part of the pilot for attempting to fly through the Newhall pass at an altitude lower than the surrounding mountains without first determining by radio the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was an error on the part of the pilot for attempting to fly through the Newhall pass at an altitude lower than the surrounding mountains without first determining by radio the existing weather.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While descending to Burbank Airport in low visibility due to rain falls, the twin engine aircraft hit tree tops and lost its both wings. It continued for a hundred metres then collided with a stony wall and crashed in wooded and hilly terrain near Rice Canyon, two miles southwest of Newhall. All 12 occupants were killed. Crew: Edwin W. Blom, pilot, Robert J. McLean, copilot, Yvonne Trego, stewardess. Passengers: Mr. & Mrs. Edward T. Ford Jr., M. P. Harem, John Korn, A. L. Markwell, W. A. Newton, Alex Novak, H. S. Teague, Evelyn Valance.
Probable cause (official findings): It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was an error on the part of the pilot for attempting to fly through the Newhall pass at an altitude lower than the surrounding mountains without first determining by radio the existing weather.