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2 fatalities

Stall and crash during demonstration flight at Staten Island Airfield (N4277C)

Staten Island Airfield, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 9, 1952, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration N4277C) operated by Pacific Airmotive Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Staten Island Airfield, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a stall during final approach while operating with one engine intentionally shut down. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled and crashed into a field during a demonstration flight at Staten Island Airfield, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a scheduled demonstration flight at Staten Island Airfield, an aircraft experienced a loss of control while attempting to land. The crew was performing the flight maneuvers with one engine intentionally shut down to demonstrate single-engine performance capabilities. While on final approach, the aircraft type stalled and impacted a nearby field.

Findings

  • The flight was being conducted as a demonstration.
  • One engine was in an intentionally inoperative state during the approach phase.
  • The aircraft entered a stall condition prior to impact.
  • The accident resulted in two fatalities among the crew and two injuries among the passengers.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during final approach while operating with one engine intentionally shut down.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1952 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Staten Island Airfield, United States of America?

An aircraft stalled and crashed into a field during a demonstration flight at Staten Island Airfield, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 1952 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1952 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration N4277C, operated by Pacific Airmotive Corporation, at Staten Island Airfield, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall during final approach while operating with one engine intentionally shut down.

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