What happened
Shortly after departing from runway 10L, the DC-3C initiated a series of turns, first to the right and then to the left, in an attempt to return to the airfield. During this maneuver, the crew reported an active fire within the aircraft. Observers on the ground noted visible flames and an orange glow emanating from the right engine area. As the aircraft maneuvered, small pieces of aluminum from the right engine accessory cowling were found on the ground near the eventual impact location. These fragments showed signs of heat exposure but had not undergone significant melting.
While the aircraft was executing a left turn toward runways 28L and 28R, the right wing made contact with the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. Approximately ten seconds prior to the impact, the first officer alerted the pilot in command that the aircraft was entering a stall. A fire broke out following the crash, which subsequently destroyed the cockpit and the inboard section of the right wing.
Findings
Investigations into the engine components showed no evidence of a fire occurring prior to the impact, and minimal soot or metal splatter was noted on the leading edge of the right horizontal stabilizer. Analysis of radio communications indicated that there was no significant difference in engine RPM between the two engines during the event. Examination of the propellers revealed differing pitch angles between the left and right units at the time of impact. The investigation determined that the stall was the critical factor leading to the wing striking the ground.