Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Sweetwater, United States of America, 20 Apr 1945 (41-18451)
On April 20, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 41-18451) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Sweetwater, United States of America in flight. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It appears that severe turbulence caused the elevators and stabilizers to fail in flight. In such condition, the aircraft was unflyable. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It appears that severe turbulence caused the elevators and stabilizers to fail in flight. In such condition, the aircraft was unflyable.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Enroute, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity and turbulence. While cruising at an estimated altitude of 5,000 feet, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 4 miles south of Sweetwater. All 25 occupants were killed. Crew: 2nd Lt Richard Britton Arnold, 1st Lt James A. Bailey, 1st Lt David L. Bennell, Sgt Robert H. Blaess, Cpl Daniel B. Boone, Pfc Grady O. Boyd, Pfc Kenneth W. Carlson, Cpl Vincent R. DiSterano, Sgt William T. Downey, Sgt William H. Edwards, 1st Lt Leonard K. Epperly, Pvt Robert L. Fuller, Sgt Robert C. Goodenough, Pfc William A. Green, Cpl D. E. Jennelle, 1st Lt Samuel Kamrass, Pfc James D. McLaughlin, 1st Lt Chester W. Mrozek, 1st Lt Frank A. Prete, Cpt John R. Rawls, 1st Lt Joseph A. Scieszka, Cpl Myron V. Testement, 1st Lt James H. Wallace Jr., Cpl Virgil E. Walston, 1st Lt Robert L. West.
Probable cause (official findings): It appears that severe turbulence caused the elevators and stabilizers to fail in flight. In such condition, the aircraft was unflyable.