Douglas DC-3 accident at United States of America, 15 Oct 1943 (NC16008)
On October 15, 1943, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC16008) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near United States of America in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inability of the aircraft to gain or maintain altitude due to carburetor ice or propeller ice or wing ice of some combination of these icing conditions while over terrain and in weather unsuitable for an emergency landing. 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
Inability of the aircraft to gain or maintain altitude due to carburetor ice or propeller ice or wing ice of some combination of these icing conditions while over terrain and in weather unsuitable for an emergency landing. The following was considered as a contributory factor: weather conditions which, had their nature been anticipated, should have precluded the dispatch of the flight in an aircraft no equipped with wind or propeller deicing equipment.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The aircraft christened 'Flagship Missouri' departed Nashville for its last leg to Memphis and climbed to 6000 feet when the pilot reported cruising at this level at 2259LT. Seven minutes later, at 2306LT, the flight called Nashville and requested permission to climb to 8000 feet, which was approved. However altitude was lost until the DC-3 descended into the thickly wooded southern slope of a hill which rose to a height of about 75 feet. Crew: Dale F. Dryer, pilot, William J. Brand, copilot, Margaret A. Jewell, stewardess.
Probable cause (official findings): Inability of the aircraft to gain or maintain altitude due to carburetor ice or propeller ice or wing ice of some combination of these icing conditions while over terrain and in weather unsuitable for an emergency landing. The following was considered as a contributory factor: weather conditions which, had their nature been anticipated, should have precluded the dispatch of the flight in an aircraft no equipped with wind or propeller deicing equipment.