On February 29, 1968, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N525W) operated by Millers Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Statesville, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper operation of powerplant on part of the crew who failed to use anti-icing/deicing systems prior to takeoff. Icing conditions conducted to the icing of the carburetor and induction systems on the left engine that failed during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
The left engine failed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Airport. The pilot reduced power on the right engine and made an emergency landing in a field; all four occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Event Details
Shortly after takeoff from Statesville Airport, while in the initial climb, the left engine failed. The pilot-in-command reduced power on the right engine and attempted an emergency landing in an open field. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but all four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable Cause
The official findings determined the probable cause to be improper operation of the powerplant by the crew, who failed to use anti-icing/deicing systems prior to takeoff. Icing conditions led to the icing of the carburetor and induction systems on the left engine, which failed during the initial climb. The takeoff was completed with reduced power.
What happened in the 29 Feb 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Statesville, United States of America?
The left engine failed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Airport. The pilot reduced power on the right engine and made an emergency landing in a field; all four occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Feb 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Feb 1968 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration N525W, operated by Millers Aviation, at Statesville, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper operation of powerplant on part of the crew who failed to use anti-icing/deicing systems prior to takeoff. Icing conditions conducted to the icing of the carburetor and induction systems on the left engine that failed during initial climb. Takeoff was completed with reduced power.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…