Douglas DC-2 accident at Goodwin, United States of America, 14 Jan 1936 (NC14274)
On January 14, 1936, a Douglas DC-2 (registration NC14274) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Goodwin, United States of America in flight. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Although the US Bureau of Air Commerce considered the height at which the DC-2 had been flying as a contributing factor, the agency was unable to determine the underlying cause of the accident. 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.
Probable cause
Although the US Bureau of Air Commerce considered the height at which the DC-2 had been flying as a contributing factor, the agency was unable to determine the underlying cause of the accident. Despite the lack of evidence of interference with the pilots, the Bureau subsequently issued a directive that prohibited entry by passengers into the cockpit of US commercial aircraft at any time during a flight. The cause of the crash was never proven, due in part to the fire and the extensive looting of the site by local residents. Another report indicates that only the copilot was in the cockpit at the time and there was thought of a passenger disturbance.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising at low altitude and at a speed of 290 km/h in darkness, the aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in a wooded and swampy area located some 4 miles from Goodwin. The aircraft was destroyed and all 17 occupants were killed. While there was no post crash fire, a flash bulb from a photographers camera did ignite gasoline that had spilled. This was the first fatal commercial aircraft accident in the state of Arkansas. Crew: Gerald V. Marshall, pilot, Glenn Freeland, copilot, Perla Casparini, stewardess. Passengers: Charles Altschul, Mrs. Samuel Horowitz, Seba Horowitz, Mrs. B. Horowitz, W. R. Dyess, R. H. McNair Jr., Frank C. Hart, J. C. Cahn, J. S. Gremillion, W. S. Hardwicke, A. D. Chernus, H. W. plato, Sam Schwartz +1.
Probable cause (official findings): Although the US Bureau of Air Commerce considered the height at which the DC-2 had been flying as a contributing factor, the agency was unable to determine the underlying cause of the accident. Despite the lack of evidence of interference with the pilots, the Bureau subsequently issued a directive that prohibited entry by passengers into the cockpit of US commercial aircraft at any time during a flight. The cause of the crash was never proven, due in part to the fire and the extensive looting of the site by local residents. Another report indicates that only the copilot was in the cockpit at the time and there was thought of a passenger disturbance.