Douglas C-49 (DC-3) accident at Galax, United States of America, 12 Jan 1947 (NC88872)
On January 12, 1947, a Douglas C-49 (DC-3) (registration NC88872) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Galax, United States of America in flight. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in attempting a let-down without having positively determined the position of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in attempting a let-down without having positively determined the position of the aircraft. A contributing factor was the erroneous navigation of the pilot which on at least two occasions led him to believe that he was farther south than he actually was.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising at the altitude of 2,500 feet in bad weather conditions, the aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located near Galax. A passenger was seriously injured while 18 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): The probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in attempting a let-down without having positively determined the position of the aircraft. A contributing factor was the erroneous navigation of the pilot which on at least two occasions led him to believe that he was farther south than he actually was.