Fatal training flight accident involving aircraft stall

2 fatalities • Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A local training flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft experienced multiple stalls during its initial climb.

What happened

During a scheduled local training session, an aircraft was performing its departure from runway 24. As the plane entered its initial climb phase, it experienced a series of aerodynamic instabilities. The aircraft underwent two successive stalls, which were accompanied by significant banking motions to both the left and right sides. During this period of instability, the aircraft lost necessary altitude and impacted the ground, resulting in a large explosion at the crash site. There were two fatalities among the crew members involved in the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was configured with its landing gear extended and the flaps set to three-quarters position. Additionally, the rudder trim was found to be positioned fully to the left. The sequence of events included the aircraft entering a total of three stalls, though it is noted that two of these instances were followed by normal recovery attempts. The primary factor contributing to the loss of control was the failure of the crew to maintain sufficient airspeed during the climb. Furthermore, investigators noted a lack of adequate supervision of the flight operations by the pilot-in-command.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew's inability to maintain proper flying speed and insufficient oversight of the flight by the pilot-in-command.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-10-01 Douglas DC-3 accident near Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of America?

A local training flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft experienced multiple stalls during its initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-10-01 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-10-01 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration N47, operated by Federal Aviation Administration - FAA, at Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew's inability to maintain proper flying speed and insufficient oversight of the flight by the pilot-in-command.

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