Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Laramie-General Herbert J. Brees, United States of America, 17 Oct 1946 (NC38942)
On October 17, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration NC38942) operated by National Air Transport Service - NATS was involved in an aviation accident near Laramie-General Herbert J. Brees, United States of America during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: On the basis of the above, the Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in maneuvering the aircraft at a dangerously low altitude under extremely adverse weather conditions in an attempt to land. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
On the basis of the above, the Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in maneuvering the aircraft at a dangerously low altitude under extremely adverse weather conditions in an attempt to land. A contributing factor was the negligence of the pilot in planning a flight into an area in which adverse weather conditions were forecast without making adequate provisions for a suitable alternate airport.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Enroute, the crew was informed that weather conditions in Cheyenne were poor and was rerouted to Laramie. Unfortunately, upon arrival, weather conditions were not so good with light snow and a visibility of two miles. The captain decided to attempt to land but was unable to locate the airport and passed over without seeing it. Shortly later, while at an altitude of 75 feet and in a left bank of 70°, the aircraft hit the ground with its left wing, crashed and burned. All 13 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): On the basis of the above, the Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in maneuvering the aircraft at a dangerously low altitude under extremely adverse weather conditions in an attempt to land. A contributing factor was the negligence of the pilot in planning a flight into an area in which adverse weather conditions were forecast without making adequate provisions for a suitable alternate airport.