On March 17, 1929, a Ford 4 (registration NC7683) operated by Colonial Western Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, United States of America during takeoff. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Simultaneous engine failure shortly after takeoff led to insufficient speed and a subsequent stall, exacerbated by the pilot's miscalculation of distance and unfamiliarity with the area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A multi-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff during a local sightseeing flight near Newark, resulting in the deaths of 14 occupants and one injury.
What happened
The incident occurred during a local sightseeing flight operating in the vicinity of Newark. Shortly after departing the runway, the aircraft was climbing to an altitude of approximately 500 feet when it entered a stall and subsequently crashed into the ground. The accident resulted in significant casualties, with 14 occupants killed and the captain sustaining injuries.
Findings
The official investigation determined that two engines ceased functioning simultaneously shortly after takeoff. This loss of power led to insufficient airspeed, which caused the aircraft to stall. Additional contributing factors identified by investigators included the pilot's failure to adequately account for wind conditions, an incorrect assessment of the distance from the airport, and a lack of familiarity with the surrounding terrain.
Probable cause
Simultaneous engine failure shortly after takeoff led to insufficient speed and a subsequent stall, exacerbated by the pilot's miscalculation of distance and unfamiliarity with the area.
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