What happened
A Curtiss aircraft was performing a civil air movement to transport military personnel from Louisville to McGuire AFB. During the flight, the crew encountered light to moderate icing while traveling through the Elkins-Charleston region, which necessitated the activation of propeller anti-icers and wing deicers.
As the flight progressed past Baltimore, the aircraft encountered similar weather conditions. To compensate for the environmental factors, the crew adjusted the engine settings to 2400 rpm and 38" manifold pressure. However, the aircraft began losing altitude, prompting the crew to increase power to a METO setting of 2600 rpm and 45" manifold pressure.
During the final GCA approach into McGuire AFB, the aircraft entered a stall. The resulting crash-landing occurred approximately 1200 feet before reaching the runway threshold. The impact was severe enough that both engines were sheared from the airframe. There were no survivors reported in the accident.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the crew did not maintain an accurate log regarding flight planning, specifically concerning fuel consumption and necessary fuel requirements.