Douglas DC-3 accident at West Palm Beach, United States of America, 5 May 1944 (NC21788)
On May 5, 1944, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC21788) operated by Pennsylvania Central Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigations determined that both aircraft were flying face to face at the altitude of 1,500 feet when the collision occurred. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Investigations determined that both aircraft were flying face to face at the altitude of 1,500 feet when the collision occurred. It appears that both crews did not realize the presence of each other because their attention was focused on cockpit duties and workload.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew left Miami Airport bound for Savannah on behalf of the USAAF. After departure, the crew was allowed to climb to 3,000 feet along the east coast of Florida. In the same region was flying a USAAF Consolidated B-24D Liberator registered 41-11889 with a crew of four on board. The crew departed Homestead AFB in the morning for a training exercise. En route, both aircraft collided and crashed into the sea, less than one mile from each other. All eight occupants on board both aircraft were killed and the wreckage were found some 6 miles southeast of Lake Worth.
Probable cause (official findings): Investigations determined that both aircraft were flying face to face at the altitude of 1,500 feet when the collision occurred. It appears that both crews did not realize the presence of each other because their attention was focused on cockpit duties and workload.