Douglas DC-3 accident at San Francisco, United States of America, 9 Feb 1937 (NC16073)
On February 9, 1937, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC16073) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near San Francisco, United States of America during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was accidental jamming of the elevator controls as the result of a microphone being inadvertently dropped and lodging in such a position that the crew was unable to prevent rapid… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was accidental jamming of the elevator controls as the result of a microphone being inadvertently dropped and lodging in such a position that the crew was unable to prevent rapid descent of the airplane.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
On final approach to San Francisco Airport, the aircraft lost 400 feet in few seconds then nosed down and eventually crashed into the bay of San Francisco, some two miles short of runway. All 11 occupants were killed. Crew: A. R. Thompson, pilot, Joe De Cesaro, copilot, Ruth Kimmel, stewardess. Passengers: John A. Orennan Sr., Gertrude Orennan, Mark Fontana, J. Franklin Gilmore, Frank Margaroni, Raker Meyers, H. D. Friedlander, Myron Loite.
Probable cause (official findings): It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was accidental jamming of the elevator controls as the result of a microphone being inadvertently dropped and lodging in such a position that the crew was unable to prevent rapid descent of the airplane.