Accident Overview
A United States Air Force C-47 transport aircraft was destroyed when it crashed into the Sandia Mountain Range northeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The aircraft was operating a secret mission from Andrews Air Force Base to March Air Force Base at the time of the accident.
Circumstances
While overflying New Mexico, the crew encountered severe icing conditions. During the flight, a wing separated from the aircraft, leading to the crash. All nine occupants on board were killed, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Aftermath
Following the accident, the entire USAF C-47 fleet was grounded until the struts on all aircraft had been replaced. The grounding order applied to all C-47s in service.
Investigation
Investigators determined that a wing's guy broke in flight, probably when the airplane was flying in an area subject to severe icing. No other causal factors were identified in the official findings.