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11 fatalities

Douglas DC-3 accident at Lebec, United States of America, 13 Nov 1946 (NC18645)

Lebec, United States of AmericaFlight

On November 13, 1946, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC18645) operated by Western Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lebec, United States of America in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in making an instrument letdown without previously establishing a positive radio fix. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) accident report collection at the National Transportation LibraryUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in making an instrument letdown without previously establishing a positive radio fix. This action was aggravated by conditions of severe static, wind in excess of anticipated velocities, preoccupation with an unusual amount of radio conversation, and the inoperative Newhall radio range.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

At 0324LT, the crew informed ATC about his position at 9,000 feet vertical to Newhall and six minutes later, he obtained the permission to descend. At 0341LT, the aircraft hit the slope of Mt White located 14 miles south of Lebec and disintegrated on impact. All 11 occupants were killed. It appears that at the time of the accident, the aircraft was off track to the east by ten miles due to strong west winds, and it hit the mountain 75 feet below the summit.

Probable cause (official findings): The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the action of the pilot in making an instrument letdown without previously establishing a positive radio fix. This action was aggravated by conditions of severe static, wind in excess of anticipated velocities, preoccupation with an unusual amount of radio conversation, and the inoperative Newhall radio range.

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