3 fatalities

Aircraft overran runway and crashed into embankment during marginal weather (NC21786)

Birmingham, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 6, 1946, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC21786) operated by Pennsylvania Central Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot committed to a landing from an approach that was too high and too fast. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft failed to stop after landing on runway 18 in marginal conditions, resulting in a fatal crash where the cockpit was crushed against an opposite embankment.

What happened

The flight approached runway 18 under marginal weather conditions. During the final approach phase, the aircraft remained significantly above the intended glide path and maintained an excessive airspeed. The plane touched down approximately halfway along the runway length.

Due to the high speed and late touchdown point, the aircraft was unable to decelerate within the remaining available distance. It overran the end of the runway, penetrated a perimeter fence, and descended into an embankment. The wreckage came to rest with the cockpit section crushed against the opposite slope, partially submerged in a drainage ditch.

The incident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft. Three crew members were killed in the accident, including both pilots on board.

Probable cause

The pilot committed to a landing from an approach that was too high and too fast.