On April 21, 1929, a Ford 5 (registration NC9636) operated by Maddux Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot of the USAAC aircraft violated published navigation rules by cruising in an unauthorized zone. 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.
A mid-air collision occurred during climb-out from San Diego Airport, resulting in the total destruction of both aircraft and the deaths of all six occupants.
What happened
The incident took place shortly after departure from San Diego Airport. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, while ascending to an altitude of 2,000 feet, a three-engine aircraft collided with a USAAC Boeing PW-9D bearing the registration 28-37. Following the impact, both airframes lost control and descended rapidly to the ground. The crash resulted in the total destruction of both vehicles. Tragically, all six individuals aboard the two aircraft were killed.
Findings
Investigations into the event highlighted a critical procedural failure by the crew of the USAAC aircraft. The pilot was operating within an unauthorized zone at the time of the collision. This action constituted a direct violation of published navigation rules and is identified as the primary contributing factor to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot of the USAAC aircraft violated published navigation rules by cruising in an unauthorized zone.
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