Douglas DC-3 accident at Albuquerque, United States of America, 24 Aug 1938 (NC17316)
On August 24, 1938, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC17316) operated by Transcontinental & Western Air - TWA was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Excessive vibration and loss of power, due to malfunctioning of left engine, consulting in insufficient speed to sustain the aircraft in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Excessive vibration and loss of power, due to malfunctioning of left engine, consulting in insufficient speed to sustain the aircraft in flight. The cause of the malfunctioning of the left engine being undetermined, recommendations, which would tend to prevent similar accidents in the future, cannot be made at this time.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff, the crew encountered problems with the left engine that suffered severe vibrations and partially failed. At a height of a about 100 feet, the airplane rolled 5° to the left. The captain decided to return to the airport but realized this was impossible. He took the decision to reduce his altitude and to attempt an emergency landing in a field. While contacting the ground, the aircraft slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Crew: Harold Hess, pilot, Bronson White, copilot, Olga C. Harbaugh, stewardess.
Probable cause (official findings): Excessive vibration and loss of power, due to malfunctioning of left engine, consulting in insufficient speed to sustain the aircraft in flight. The cause of the malfunctioning of the left engine being undetermined, recommendations, which would tend to prevent similar accidents in the future, cannot be made at this time.