Aircraft accident in Oakland Bay during approach

8 fatalities • Oakland, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the Oakland Bay after descending below safe altitude limits during its approach to runway 27R.

What happened

A four-engine aircraft departed San Francisco Airport at 23:05 local time, operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for a short distance of approximately 10 miles toward Oakland. While performing the approach to runway 27R at Oakland, the pilot-in-command initiated a descent that went below the minimum safe altitude of 500 feet. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck the surface of the Oakland Bay, resulting in an explosion and subsequent sinking of the vessel.

The accident resulted in eight fatalities and two survivors, consisting of one passenger and one flight attendant who were rescued from the scene.

Probable cause

The pilot continued a descent below the minimum safe altitude of 500 feet while attempting to maintain visual reference in deteriorating weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-04-20 Douglas DC-6 accident near Oakland, United States of America?

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the Oakland Bay after descending below safe altitude limits during its approach to runway 27R.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-04-20 Douglas DC-6 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-04-20 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration N91303, operated by Western Airlines, at Oakland, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued a descent below the minimum safe altitude of 500 feet while attempting to maintain visual reference in deteriorating weather conditions.

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