What happened
On a cargo mission originating from Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, a Douglas C-47A operated by Skycraft Air Transport experienced a catastrophic loss of control while approaching Toronto International Airport. The aircraft was transporting six wire mesh baskets containing automobile roof bows. Prior to departure, the crew had indicated that they would handle the securing of the load themselves.
During the approach to runway 06R, air traffic controllers provided heading adjustments to align the plane with the ILS localizer. While being vectored, the flight crew was instructed twice to maintain their maximum speed for separation purposes; the pilots noted they were already operating at their best speed due to the heavy weight of the aircraft. After receiving clearance to land and crossing the runway threshold at an altitude of roughly 100 to 150 feet, the aircraft began a series of pitch oscillations. The nose initially rose slightly before dropping, followed by two subsequent oscillations that increased in intensity. On the fourth movement, the nose pitched up sharply between 45 and 60 degrees, causing the plane to climb. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the left wing dropped and the aircraft yawed nearly 90 degrees before falling into a field adjacent to the runway. The impact caused the right main gear to rupture a fuel tank, leading to a post-crash fire. The incident resulted in 2 fatalities.
Findings
Investigations determined that the aircraft was operating with an improper center of gravity and exceeded its weight limits. Furthermore, the cargo within the baskets had not been properly secured, which contributed to the loss of control.