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Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident at Garstang, United Kingdom, 7 Jan 1949 (45-0543)
On January 7, 1949, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 45-0543) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Garstang, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigation revealed that a strong signal from commercial radio station North of the Burtonwood base was interfering with the Burtonwood Range signal, causing the radio compass on board aircraft to continue to indicate that the base was to their North even… 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.
Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards
Probable cause
Investigation revealed that a strong signal from commercial radio station North of the Burtonwood base was interfering with the Burtonwood Range signal, causing the radio compass on board aircraft to continue to indicate that the base was to their North even after they had passed to the North of the Range Station.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The four engine aircraft left Frankfurt-Main Airport at 1312LT Bound for RAF Burtonwood. Following an uneventful flight, the crew started the descent from the north and went through thick clouds when the airplane hit the slope of the Stake House Fell Hill located near Garstang, about 55 km north of RAF Burtonwood. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Investigation revealed that a strong signal from commercial radio station North of the Burtonwood base was interfering with the Burtonwood Range signal, causing the radio compass on board aircraft to continue to indicate that the base was to their North even after they had passed to the North of the Range Station.
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