Fatal training flight accident at Lake Charles Airport

4 fatalities • Lake Charles, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight involving four crew members ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft veered off the runway and struck a building structure.

What happened

During a local training session conducted out of England AFB, a flight crew was performing maneuvers at Lake Charles Airport. The operation involved several touch-and-go landings on the active runway. Following these maneuvers, the aircraft approached the airfield for another landing but experienced an exceptionally heavy impact upon touchdown.

Following this hard landing, the aircraft lost directional control and drifted toward the left side of the runway. The path of the plane led it off the paved surface and into a covered concourse area. The structure's roof was positioned at approximately the same height as the cockpit windshield, resulting in a collision with the building. The impact resulted in four fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash included comprehensive interviews and a detailed review of the flight sequence. Investigators concluded that the accident was the direct result of pilot error during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by pilot error during the landing sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-03-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Lake Charles, United States of America?

A training flight involving four crew members ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft veered off the runway and struck a building structure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-03-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-03-24 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 44-77228, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Lake Charles, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by pilot error during the landing sequence.

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