Were there any fatalities in the 1954-06-15 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

Engine Fire and Landing Gear Collapse Lead to Total Destruction of Aircraft (N30070)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-06-15 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration N30070, operated by Great Lakes Airlines (1950), at Gage, United States of America.

On June 15, 1954, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N30070) operated by Great Lakes Airlines (1950) was involved in an aviation accident near Gage, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determined that the probable cause of this accident was a bearing failure of the No. 3 engine generator causing extreme frictional heat and the release of inflammable fluid which ignited in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781252068Data API Editorial standards

During a night cruise at 5,500 ft in good weather, a No. 3 engine fire prompted a diversion. After a normal landing, the right main gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and be destroyed by fire. All 82 occupants evacuated safely.

Accident Summary

While cruising at an altitude of 5,500 feet at night under good weather conditions, the aircraft's number three engine caught fire. The crew responded by feathering the propeller and obtaining permission to divert to Gage Municipal Airport for an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing and Ground Incident

Upon arrival at Gage Municipal Airport, the crew executed a normal landing. However, immediately after touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and came to rest engulfed in flames.

Evacuation

All 82 occupants onboard the aircraft were able to evacuate safely before the fire consumed the entire airframe. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the fire.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of this accident was a bearing failure of the No. 3 engine generator. This failure resulted in extreme frictional heat and the release of inflammable fluid, which ignited in flight.

In-flight fire & smoke

1954-06-15: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (N30070) — Great Lakes Airlines (1950) — Gage, United States of America