Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Hong Kong-Kai Tak, China, 25 Sept 1946 (KN414)
On September 25, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration KN414) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Hong Kong-Kai Tak, China during takeoff. 19 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is possible that the loss of control in initial climb may have been caused by katabatic winds from the local mountains. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It is possible that the loss of control in initial climb may have been caused by katabatic winds from the local mountains.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff from runway 31, while climbing to a height of some 700-800 feet, the aircraft stalled, went into a dive and crashed 3 km northwest of the airfield. All 19 occupants were killed. Crew (110th Squadron): W/O Alastair Christie, pilot, W/O Rex Neville Blackmore, copilot, F/Sgt John Kendall Hazeldine, pilot, F/Sgt John Wilfred Holden, navigator, F/Sgt Richard Samuel Bond, wireless operator.
Probable cause (official findings): It is possible that the loss of control in initial climb may have been caused by katabatic winds from the local mountains.