Douglas DC-3 accident at Miami, United States of America, 23 Dec 1947 (NC74620)
On December 23, 1947, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC74620) operated by Coastal Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel consumption was higher than expected by the fact that the aircraft was overloaded, and its total weight was 800 kg above the maximum takeoff weight when it left Raleigh Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The fuel consumption was higher than expected by the fact that the aircraft was overloaded, and its total weight was 800 kg above the maximum takeoff weight when it left Raleigh Airport. In addition, both pilots were tired and had far exceeded their maximum working time, which remains a contributing factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was performing a cargo flight from Raleigh to Miami and while reaching Melbourne, Florida, he was informed by ATC that Miami Airport was closed to traffic due to poor weather conditions. For same reason, the alternate airport West Palm Beach was closed and the crew was advised to divert to Key West or Tampa. Few minutes later, the captain informed ATC that he was short of fuel and started the approach to Miami in low visibility. During the last turn to join the approach path, the right engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft stalled and crashed. Both crew members were injured while the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause (official findings): The fuel consumption was higher than expected by the fact that the aircraft was overloaded, and its total weight was 800 kg above the maximum takeoff weight when it left Raleigh Airport. In addition, both pilots were tired and had far exceeded their maximum working time, which remains a contributing factor.