1 fatality

Douglas DC-3 N386T Crashes While on Instrument Approach to Morgantown

Morgantown, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 29, 1963, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N386T) operated by Purdue University Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Morgantown, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's execution of an instrument approach in an aircraft not equipped with navigational instrumentation appropriate to the ground facilities being used. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A Douglas DC-3 operated by Purdue Aeronautics Corporation crashed during an instrument approach to Morgantown Municipal Airport, resulting in one fatality and destruction of the aircraft.

Accident Overview

On November 29, 1963, at 1110 CST, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N386T) operated by Purdue Aeronautics Corporation crashed while executing an instrument approach to Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia. The accident site was 2.5 nautical miles from the Morgantown VOR on the 340-degree radial. The aircraft was being ferried to Morgantown in preparation for a charter flight and carried a crew of three: a captain, first officer, and stewardess. No other persons were aboard.

Injuries and Damage

The stewardess sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The captain and first officer escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair by the impact and subsequent post-impact fire.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's execution of an instrument approach in an aircraft not equipped with navigational instrumentation appropriate to the ground facilities being used.