Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Mackall AAF, United States of America, 29 Oct 1943 (42-23391)
On October 29, 1943, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 42-23391) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Mackall AAF, United States of America during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the failure on the left engine was not determined with certainty. However, US Command noted that fuel contained in the tanks was a 91 octane fuel and it should be relevant to use a 100 octane fuel in the future. 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.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the failure on the left engine was not determined with certainty. However, US Command noted that fuel contained in the tanks was a 91 octane fuel and it should be relevant to use a 100 octane fuel in the future.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The aircraft left Mackall AFB early in the evening for a para-drop training mission. While approaching the drop zone at a height of 300 feet, the left engine failed. Due to low height, it was impossible for the paratroopers to leave the cabin so the crew decided to return to the base. On final approach, the aircraft was misaligned and the captain decided to go around and increased power on the right engine. The aircraft continued on a flat attitude and then banked sharply to the left. It hit tree tops, stalled and crashed short of runway. Six occupants were rescued while all 14 others were killed. The 4 crew members killed were: 2nd Lt Richard A. Christian, 2nd Lt Charles C. Hinson, Cpt Leroy A. Listug Jr., S/Sgt James McGarthy.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the failure on the left engine was not determined with certainty. However, US Command noted that fuel contained in the tanks was a 91 octane fuel and it should be relevant to use a 100 octane fuel in the future.