4 fatalities

1958-09-19: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver — United States Army — Phoenix-Papago Park, United States of America

Phoenix-Papago Park, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On September 19, 1958, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix-Papago Park, United States of America during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck power cables during the takeoff climb phase. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781248087Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire shortly after departing from Phoenix-Papago Park Airfield, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

On the date of the accident, a single engine aircraft departed from Phoenix-Papago Park Airfield. During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff, the aircraft struck overhead power cables. The impact caused the plane to crash, and the subsequent collision resulted in the aircraft bursting into flames.

There were four people on board at the time of the accident, consisting of two Army personnel and two engineers from Motorola. The incident resulted in four fatalities, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The aircraft collided with electrical power lines during its ascent.
  • The impact led to a post-crash fire that consumed the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck power cables during the takeoff climb phase.