On July 27, 1966, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N4994E) operated by Frontier Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Gallup, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls during takeoff on part of the PIC. Inadequate supervision of flight on part of the PIC who failed to maintain directional control and failed to abort takeoff. 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.
An aircraft lost control during takeoff roll at Gallup-Senator Clark Airport, veered off the runway, and caught fire in a ditch. Three passengers were injured; 13 others were unhurt.
Incident
During the takeoff roll at Gallup-Senator Clark Airport, the aircraft lost directional control. It veered off the runway and came to rest in a ditch, where it was engulfed in flames. The aircraft was subsequently written off due to the damage.
Injuries
Three passengers sustained injuries in the accident, while the remaining 13 occupants were unhurt.
Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls during takeoff by the pilot in command, and inadequate supervision of flight by the pilot in command, who failed to maintain directional control and failed to abort the takeoff.