7 fatalities

Stall and Crash After Departure from Greensboro-High Point Airport (42-108992)

Greensboro, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 4, 1962, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 42-108992) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Greensboro, United States of America during takeoff. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A military transport aircraft stalled at 150-200 feet after takeoff from Greensboro, crashed 1,000 feet past the runway, and was partially destroyed by post-crash fire, killing all seven occupants.

Incident Overview

A military aircraft conducting a flight from McGuire Air Force Base to Eglin Air Force Base (Hulburt Field) in Florida, with intermediate stops at Philadelphia and Greensboro, experienced a stall and crash shortly after departing from Greensboro-High Point Airport. The accident occurred during the climb phase immediately after takeoff from runway 05.

Sequence of Events

After lifting off from runway 05, the airplane climbed to an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 feet. At that point, the aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed in flames about 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The impact and ensuing post-crash fire partially destroyed the aircraft.

Occupants

All seven individuals on board were killed. The crew consisted of Captain R. J. Rice (pilot), Captain David L. Murphy (copilot), Captain Thomas D. Carter (navigator), and Technical Sergeant Bernard P. Terrien (flight engineer). The passengers were First Lieutenant D. J. Hughes, Captain Robert H. Sanford, and Technical Sergeant Preston Presley.

Official Findings

The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the accident. The source provides no analysis or conclusions regarding contributing factors.