On July 16, 1971, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N74844) operated by New England Propeller Service was involved in an aviation accident near Windsor Locks-Bradley, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight preparation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a ferry flight from Windsor Locks-Bradley Airport, an engine lost power shortly after takeoff. The crew returned for an emergency landing but crash landed short of the runway; all three occupants escaped uninjured.
Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a flight crew departed Windsor Locks-Bradley Airport on a ferry flight to Beverly for a maintenance check. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, one of the engines lost power. Air traffic control cleared the crew to return for an emergency landing.
Approach and Crash
On approach, the airplane crash landed a few dozen yards short of the runway and came to rest in flames. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All three occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be inadequate preflight preparation. The following factors were reported:
Water in fuel
The crew failed to maintain flying speed
Lack of familiarity with the aircraft
Partial loss of power on one engine
The aircraft had not flown for about 10 months
The pilot was not rated on type and last flew a DC-3 in 1967