Aircraft crash following wing impact with ice during night takeoff

No fatalities • SP-2 Polar Station, Antarctica • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed 800 meters beyond the runway end after striking ice heaps during a nighttime departure, resulting in two injuries.

What happened

During a nighttime departure at approximately 80 mph, the aircraft experienced significant difficulty maintaining altitude. During the initial climb, the left wing made contact with an accumulation of ice. This impact caused the left main landing gear to be severed from the airframe. Following this structural damage, the aircraft entered a bank from left to right.

As the flight continued, the right wing also struck an ice heap. These successive impacts led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to crash. The wreckage came to rest 800 meters past the end of the runway. The incident resulted in two injuries involving the captain and the flight engineer, while the remaining five occupants on board escaped without harm. Due to the extent of the damage, the aircraft was declared a total loss and left at the crash site.

Findings

Investigators noted that the pilot exhibited an overconfident and dismissive demeanor prior to the departure. The primary factor in the accident was the impact with ice accumulations during the takeoff phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck ice heaps during takeoff, leading to structural damage and a subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-10-28 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near SP-2 Polar Station, Antarctica?

An aircraft crashed 800 meters beyond the runway end after striking ice heaps during a nighttime departure, resulting in two injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-10-28 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 1950-10-28 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CCCP-N369, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at SP-2 Polar Station, Antarctica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck ice heaps during takeoff, leading to structural damage and a subsequent loss of control.

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