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5 fatalities

Fatal Training Flight Crash Near Snowden Junior-Senior High School (44-76663)

South Park, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 10, 1962, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 44-76663) operated by Air National Guard was involved in an aviation accident near South Park, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine fire in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight from Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport ended in a fatal crash after an in-flight engine fire. The aircraft went out of control, struck trees, and burned near Snowden Junior-Senior High School, killing all five crew members.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A crew consisting of pilots and instructors departed Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport at 2230LT for a local training flight, specifically a proficiency check. Approximately thirty minutes into the flight, the crew reported an engine fire. In response, they elected to return for an emergency landing. ## Crash Sequence and Impact During the return, the airplane went out of control. It clipped trees and crashed in flames near the Snowden Junior-Senior High School. The aircraft was destroyed in the incident. ## Casualties All five crew members were killed in the crash. The crew members were identified as MaJ Leroy E. Smith, Maj Ivan Allen Jr., Maj Frank Connelly, Lt David Slone, and Cpt Griffin.

Probable cause

Engine fire in flight.
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 1962 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near South Park, United States of America?

A training flight from Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport ended in a fatal crash after an in-flight engine fire. The aircraft went out of control, struck trees, and burned near Snowden Junior-Senior High School, killing all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jan 1962 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 1962 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 44-76663, operated by Air National Guard, at South Park, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine fire in flight.

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