Lockheed C-60 LodeStar accident at Evansville-William H. Dress, United States of America, 21 Apr 1943 (42-55864)
On April 21, 1943, a Lockheed C-60 LodeStar (registration 42-55864) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Evansville-William H. Dress, United States of America during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew adopted a wrong approach configuration and was flying at a too low and unsafe altitude when the accident occurred. Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The crew adopted a wrong approach configuration and was flying at a too low and unsafe altitude when the accident occurred. Controlled flight into terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane was on its way from Cleveland, Ohio, to Monroe, Louisiana. Due to the deterioration of the weather conditions, the crew decided to divert to Evansville-Dress Airport. During the final approach completed at night and in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine airplane impacted ground few km short of runway and was destroyed by impact forces. All 10 occupants were killed. Crew: Cpt Paul D. Jones, Cpt William V. Litvin, 1st Lt George F. Dennison, 1st Lt Carlton B. Overton Jr., 2nd Lt Howard D. Baer, 2nd Lt John W. Kerrigan, 2nd Lt Charles W. McLaughlin, 2nd Lt Micharl W. Schaffer, S/Sgt James P. Taylor, S/Sgt Arthur A. Vandoli.
Probable cause (official findings): The crew adopted a wrong approach configuration and was flying at a too low and unsafe altitude when the accident occurred. Controlled flight into terrain.