Background
On December 22, 1954, Johnson Flying Service operated a Civil Air Movement (CAM) flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Tacoma, Washington, with planned intermediate stops including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Monterey, California; and Tacoma, Washington. The aircraft was serviced with 170 gallons of 100 octane fuel, placed equally in the two main tanks, totaling 225 gallons according to the weight and balance manifest. A preflight inspection found no discrepancies. The aircraft weighed 25,317 pounds at departure, within the allowable gross weight of 25,346 pounds, and the load was within center of gravity limits.
Flight Route and Fuel Concerns
The flight plan, filed with the CAA, indicated visual flight rules (VFR) to Allegheny County Airport in Pittsburgh via Amber 7, Green 3, and Red 21 Airways. Estimated flying time to Pittsburgh was one hour and forty minutes at 155 knots with two hours and forty minutes of fuel. The flight departed Newark at 2038 with 23 passengers and five crew members: Captain Harold A. Poe, Captain Joseph J. Grekowicz, and Copilots Clarence E. Chapman, Charles R. Carter, and Captain Robert P. Walker (cabin attendant).
Communication with ATC
Routine position reports were made. At 2206, the flight reported over Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, VFR, estimating Westover at 2219. At 2222, Pittsburgh radio heard the aircraft calling Westover. At 2225, the flight reported to Brookville radio that it was over Westover at 2220, estimating Pittsburgh at 2252. At 2238, the flight asked if fuel was available at "Johnson Marker," interpreted as Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh radio responded that Johnstown had 91/96 octane fuel and attempted to contact the airport but failed. The pilot expressed uncertainty about fuel and requested Johnstown's runway lights be turned on. At 2244, the aircraft reported over Johnstown Airport but passed it after Pittsburgh could not make contact. At 2247, the pilot stated he would continue to Pittsburgh and asked for other landing fields. Pittsburgh advised only Greater Pittsburgh or Allegheny County. At 2251, Pittsburgh gave the current Allegheny County weather: clear, temperature 20°F, dew-point 10°F, wind south-southwest 9 knots. The pilot reported altitude 3,200 feet, and winds aloft at 3,000 feet were 260° at 10 knots.
Accident Sequence
At 2252, the flight reported being 7 miles east of Allegheny County Airport and could see the field. Pittsburgh radio alerted the tower that the flight was low on fuel. The flight contacted the tower on 126.18 mc and was cleared for a straight-in approach to runway 27. At 2256, the flight reported 3 miles east on final approach and was cleared to land. At 2257, the flight reported being out of gas. The tower observed the aircraft approximately 2 miles from the airport on final approach. The pilot doubted he could make the field, stating both engines were feathered. At 2258, the pilot advised they were going to set it down. The aircraft made a left turn and disappeared below hills southeast of the airport. At approximately 2300, the aircraft ditched wheels up in the Monongahela River. Captain Harold A. Poe, who was flying, and nine passengers drowned.
Probable Cause and Findings
The Civil Aeronautics Board determined the probable cause was fuel exhaustion due to inadequate flight planning. Contributing factors included inadequate crew supervision and training. Findings reported that the company did not properly check crew competency, the aircraft was overloaded at takeoff, the flight was improperly planned and not conducted per the operations manual, and the captain passed a suitable refueling facility after being advised that continuing would require reserve fuel. Weather along the route was good and approximately as forecast. The aircraft ditched two miles from its destination due to fuel exhaustion.