Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Kansas City-Fairfax Field, United States of America, 15 Sept 1945 (45-1011)
On September 15, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 45-1011) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City-Fairfax Field, United States of America during takeoff. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to investigators, both engines suffered a sudden loss of power during the initial climb, likely due to the fact that spark plugs were not compliant with the engine manufacturer procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
According to investigators, both engines suffered a sudden loss of power during the initial climb, likely due to the fact that spark plugs were not compliant with the engine manufacturer procedures. Moreover, experts believe that a sudden increase in oil consumption resulted in excessive dilution of the fluid.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after a night takeoff from runway 35, the aircraft encountered problems to gain height. During the initial climb, at a height of some 30 feet, the Skytrain hit tree tops located 0.9 mile from the runway end, stalled and crashed in a wooded area, near the shore of the Missouri River. A passenger was seriously injured while 23 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): According to investigators, both engines suffered a sudden loss of power during the initial climb, likely due to the fact that spark plugs were not compliant with the engine manufacturer procedures. Moreover, experts believe that a sudden increase in oil consumption resulted in excessive dilution of the fluid.