On June 24, 1981, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N18949) operated by Nathaniel Hawthorne College was involved in an aviation accident near West Deering-Hawthorne-Feather Airpark, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during initial climb after the crew failed to obtain flying speed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane crashed into a wooded area near West Deering-Hawthorne-Feather Airpark after experiencing difficulties gaining altitude, rolling, and stalling. Both crew members sustained serious injuries.
Accident Details
Shortly after taking off from West Deering-Hawthorne-Feather Airpark, a twin-engine airplane encountered difficulties in gaining height. The aircraft rolled to the left and right before striking trees, stalling, and crashing into a wooded area. Upon impact, the airplane burst into flames. Both crew members on board were seriously injured.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the aircraft lifted off approximately 1,700 feet from the start of its takeoff roll while maintaining a three-point attitude. This observation aligns with the subsequent failure to achieve sufficient flying speed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be a stall during initial climb after the crew failed to obtain flying speed.