Accident Summary
The aircraft, a DC-3C, took off from runway 10L and immediately initiated a right turn, followed by a left turn back toward the airport while declaring a fire aboard. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Witnesses observed flames or an orange glow emanating from the right engine.
Witness and Physical Evidence
A small number of aluminum fragments from the aft edge of the right engine accessory cowling were found along the ground just short of the impact site. These fragments exhibited signs of heat distress but no significant melting. Examination of the right engine and accessory section revealed no evidence of a preimpact fire, and sooting and metal splatter on the leading edge of the right horizontal stabilizer were minimal.
Flight Data and Cockpit Communications
Spectral analysis of radio transmissions indicated no significant divergence in engine RPM between the two engines. Approximately 10 seconds before impact, the first officer advised the pilot-in-command over the tower frequency, "we're gonna stall." The aircraft was in a left turn back toward runways 28 left and right when the right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel to a stop.
Propeller Examination
Postcrash examination of the propellers revealed approximate blade pitch angles of 18–19° for the right propeller and 30–32° for the left propeller upon impact. Propeller slash mark dimensions associated with the right propeller indicated a propeller RPM of approximately 1,750 to 2,570 over a range of 68 to 100 knots.
Postcrash Fire and Damage
A postcrash fire destroyed the cockpit area and the inboard section of the right wing.