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