Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Goodland, United States of America, 18 Jul 1946 (45-0930)
On July 18, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 45-0930) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Goodland, United States of America in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of control was caused by severe turbulence due to thunderstorm activity. Also, electricity in the stormy area may badly influenced on board equipment. 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
It is believed that the loss of control was caused by severe turbulence due to thunderstorm activity. Also, electricity in the stormy area may badly influenced on board equipment.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was performing a flight from Forbes AFB (Topeka) to Lowry AFB located near Aurora, Colorado. Enroute, while cruising in adverse weather conditions, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a field located 4 miles north of Goodland. All 13 occupants were killed. It appears that at the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor with thunderstorm activity and electricity.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the loss of control was caused by severe turbulence due to thunderstorm activity. Also, electricity in the stormy area may badly influenced on board equipment.