Douglas C-49 (DC-3) accident at Tacloban, Philippines, 13 Nov 1945 (VH-CDC)
On November 13, 1945, a Douglas C-49 (DC-3) (registration VH-CDC) operated by Australian National Airways - ANA was involved in an aviation accident near Tacloban, Philippines during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Tacloban were considered as poor with heavy rain falls, strong winds and low visibility due to night. 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
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Tacloban were considered as poor with heavy rain falls, strong winds and low visibility due to night. Fuel reserve were sufficient to divert to another airport and the crew underestimated the situation and continued the approach despite the low visibility and poor weather. Following this tragedy, night operations will be prohibited on Philippines airports for USAAF.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The approach to Tacloban was performed in poor weather conditions. The aircraft landed hard and after touchdown, the captain decided to go around, increased power on both engines, pull up the control column and attempted a go around. The aircraft climbed to a height of 200 feet, passed few meters from the control tower, continued over the sea and eventually crashed into the sea about a mile offshore. Rescue teams arrived on the scene about five hours later and a passenger was rescued while 16 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Tacloban were considered as poor with heavy rain falls, strong winds and low visibility due to night. Fuel reserve were sufficient to divert to another airport and the crew underestimated the situation and continued the approach despite the low visibility and poor weather. Following this tragedy, night operations will be prohibited on Philippines airports for USAAF.