Nighttime aircraft collision with terrain in Solano County

No fatalities • United States of America • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a hillside near Fairfield, California, during nighttime operations, resulting in injuries to the entire crew.

What happened

During a night flight, an airplane struck the slope of a hill situated within the Fairfield area of Solano County. The impact occurred while the aircraft was maintaining a cruise flight phase at an altitude that was insufficient for the local terrain.

Upon hitting the hillside, the aircraft was completely destroyed. There were three crew members on board at the time of the accident. All three individuals sustained injuries during the crash, with one person suffering serious wounds.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating at an inadequate altitude relative to the surrounding topography during its cruise phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain because it was flying at an insufficient height for the local landscape during nighttime cruise.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-04-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside near Fairfield, California, during nighttime operations, resulting in injuries to the entire crew.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-04-15 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 1951-04-15 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-49527, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain because it was flying at an insufficient height for the local landscape during nighttime cruise.

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