What happened
During a flight intended to train a co-pilot for a new Part 135 operation, a Douglas DC-3, registration N47CE, crashed following a series of aerodynamic instabilities. Witnesses near the site observed the aircraft flying at approximately 3,000 feet MSL with its landing gear and flaps fully deployed. After completing a turn, the aircraft transitioned into a high nose attitude and subsequently entered a spin. While it appeared to momentarily cease spinning, the plane entered a second spin and struck the ground before any recovery could be completed. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in three fatalities.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage confirmed that the landing gear and flaps were extended at the time of impact. Notably, the elevator trim was found set to a full nose-up position. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the crash. The pilot-in-command had 30 hours of experience in this specific aircraft type but lacked documented training regarding stall approaches. While the co-pilot was an experienced retired airline pilot, he had not flown this model since the 1940s.
Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to maintain adequate supervision and implement effective recovery techniques during the spin. Additional contributing elements identified were the use of excessive elevator trim and a lack of recent or specific type-rated experience in the aircraft by both crew members.