What happened
During the final approach to Hagerstown-Washington County Airport, a Flying Boxcar descended below the required altitude for its approach path. The aircraft touched down several yards before reaching the runway threshold.
Upon contact with the concrete surface of the runway, the impact caused the undercarriage to be sheared from the airframe. Following this structural failure, the aircraft slid along the runway before veering off the paved surface. The subsequent excursion resulted in a fire that consumed the aircraft. Despite the intensity of the flames, all 13 crew members managed to evacuate the plane without injury.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the accident was the result of the flight crew performing an approach that was too low.