Douglas DC-3 accident at Mt Cuyapaipe, United States of America, 24 Dec 1946 (NC45395)
On December 24, 1946, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC45395) operated by Western Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Cuyapaipe, United States of America in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was the conduct of the flight at an altitude which would not clear obstructions, due to an error by the pilot in determining his position with respect to Laguna Mountain. 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.
Probable cause
The Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was the conduct of the flight at an altitude which would not clear obstructions, due to an error by the pilot in determining his position with respect to Laguna Mountain.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising at the altitude of 7,000 feet, the crew informed ATC he just overflew Mt Laguna and then reduced his altitude when the aircraft, at a height of 6,120 feet, hit the east slope of Mt Cuyapaipe. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire, and all 12 occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 75 feet below the summit. Photos: Craig Fuller and Brad Gray. http://www.AviationArchaeology.com
Probable cause (official findings): The Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was the conduct of the flight at an altitude which would not clear obstructions, due to an error by the pilot in determining his position with respect to Laguna Mountain.