Lockheed 14 Super Electra accident at Bozeman, United States of America, 10 Jan 1938 (NC17388)
On January 10, 1938, a Lockheed 14 Super Electra (registration NC17388) operated by Northwest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, United States of America in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is the opinion of the Investigating Board that the probable cause of this accident was a structural failure of the upper vertical fins and rudders due to flutter which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It is the opinion of the Investigating Board that the probable cause of this accident was a structural failure of the upper vertical fins and rudders due to flutter which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet in good weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, entered a dive and crashed on a wooded hill located some 22 km northeast of Bozeman. All 10 occupants were killed. Crew: Nick B. Mamer, pilot, Frederick W. West, Jr., copilot. Passengers: T. Anderson, I. E. Stevenson, G. A. Anderson, L. Levin, Walter Ton, A. Croonquist, Douglas McKay, W. E. Borgenheimer.
Probable cause (official findings): It is the opinion of the Investigating Board that the probable cause of this accident was a structural failure of the upper vertical fins and rudders due to flutter which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft.