2 fatalities

1970-10-01: Douglas DC-3 (N47) — Federal Aviation Administration - FAA — Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of America

Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On October 1, 1970, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N47) operated by Federal Aviation Administration - FAA was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage-Merrill Field, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to obtain/maintain flying speed and inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781235913Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight crashed shortly after takeoff after the aircraft entered multiple stalls, banking left and right before losing height and exploding on impact, killing both pilots. Investigators cited failure to maintain flying speed and inadequate supervision.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was engaged in a local training flight. After takeoff from runway 24, during the initial climb, the airplane suffered two consecutive stalls then banked left and right. It lost height and crashed in a huge explosion, killing both pilots. The aircraft was observed entering three stalls, with two stalls followed by normal recovery.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states that the crew failed to obtain/maintain flying speed and there was inadequate supervision of the flight on the part of the pilot-in-command.

Aircraft Configuration at Loss of Control

When control was lost, the landing gear was down, flaps were set to 3/4 down, and the rudder trim was positioned full left.