On January 25, 1947, a Douglas DC-3 (registration 138) operated by China National Aviation Corporation - CNAC was involved in an aviation accident near Zunyi, China in flight. 19 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with mountainous terrain during enroute flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft struck a mountainside while enroute near Zunyi, killing all 19 people on board. The wreckage was located in a remote area two weeks after the incident.
What happened
During an enroute phase of flight, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain in the region of Zunyi. The impact resulted in the destruction of the airframe and the loss of all life on board. Due to the remote nature of the crash site, recovery efforts were delayed. Search teams successfully located the wreckage in an isolated area approximately two weeks after the accident occurred.
Findings
The investigation confirmed that the collision with terrain was the direct cause of the disaster. All 19 occupants perished in the event. The delay in locating the debris field was attributed to the difficult and inaccessible terrain surrounding the impact site.
Probable cause
Collision with mountainous terrain during enroute flight.
What happened in the 25 Jan 1947 Douglas DC-3 accident near Zunyi, China?
An aircraft struck a mountainside while enroute near Zunyi, killing all 19 people on board. The wreckage was located in a remote area two weeks after the incident.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jan 1947 Douglas DC-3 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jan 1947 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration 138, operated by China National Aviation Corporation - CNAC, at Zunyi, China.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Collision with mountainous terrain during enroute flight.
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