Ford 5 accident at Oceanside, United States of America, 19 Jan 1930 (NC9689)
On January 19, 1930, a Ford 5 (registration NC9689) operated by Maddux Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Oceanside, United States of America in flight. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred in darkness and during a rain and low overcast, with the weather considered as a primary causative factor by an official inquiry board. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The accident occurred in darkness and during a rain and low overcast, with the weather considered as a primary causative factor by an official inquiry board. Specifically, it was concluded that the Tri-Motor had encountered a local meteorological condition with 'unpredicted and unforeseen characteristics’ that the flight crew apparently tried to avoid, but which must have caused them to become disoriented. After turning to the left towards an area devoid of lights, the aircraft’s port wing struck the ground.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
En route from Tijuana to Los Angeles, weather conditions deteriorated. The visibility was very bad due to heavy rain falls. The crew reduced his altitude and apparently attempted an emergency landing in an open field when, on short final, the aircraft rolled to the left and lost height, causing the left wing to struck the ground. Out of control, the airplane crashed and slid for about 60 metres before coming to rest, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all 16 occupants were killed. Up to date, worst aircraft accident in the United States.
Probable cause (official findings): The accident occurred in darkness and during a rain and low overcast, with the weather considered as a primary causative factor by an official inquiry board. Specifically, it was concluded that the Tri-Motor had encountered a local meteorological condition with 'unpredicted and unforeseen characteristics’ that the flight crew apparently tried to avoid, but which must have caused them to become disoriented. After turning to the left towards an area devoid of lights, the aircraft’s port wing struck the ground.