No fatalities

Nose Gear Impact During Takeoff Roll in Tulsa (N90426)

Dallas-Love Field, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 10, 1948, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N90426) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas-Love Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the collision of the nose gear with a snowdrift during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a snowdrift during the takeoff roll in Tulsa, preventing nose gear retraction. The crew diverted to Dallas-Love Field where the plane slid on its nose, resulting in no injuries but total loss of the airframe.

What happened

While conducting the takeoff roll from Tulsa, the aircraft's nose landing gear struck a snowdrift on the runway surface. Following departure and entering the initial climb phase, the flight crew attempted to retract the nose gear but found it inoperable due to the impact. Recognizing the mechanical failure, the captain elected to divert the flight to Dallas-Love Field to ensure a safe landing.

Upon touchdown at the destination airport, the aircraft slid on its nose during the rollout and eventually came to rest. The incident resulted in no casualties among those on board, although the airframe sustained damage sufficient to be declared a total loss.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the collision of the nose gear with a snowdrift during the takeoff roll.