Braniff Flight 352: L-188A Electra Crash in Severe Thunderstorm (N9707C)

Flight Details and Weather Encounter Braniff Flight 352 departed Houston (HOU) at 16:11 for Dallas (DAL) and climbed to flight level 200. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the L-188A Electra approached an area of severe thunderstorm activity. The crew requested a descent to flight level 150 and a deviation to the west. Air route traffic control center (ARTCC) advised that other aircraft were deviating to the east, but the Electra crew still considered the western route acceptable and were cleared to descend to flight level 140 and deviate west. At 16:44, the flight was further cleared to descend to 5,000 feet. At 16:47, the aircraft apparently encountered bad weather, including hail, and requested and was cleared for a 180-degree turn. ## Aircraft Upset and Structural Failure After initiating a right turn, the aircraft was upset. During the upset, N9707C rolled to the right to a bank angle exceeding 90 degrees and pitched nose-down to approximately 40 degrees. A roll recovery maneuver was initiated, and the aircraft experienced forces of 4.35 g. Part of the right wing failed, and the aircraft broke up at an altitude of 6,750 feet, crashing in flames shortly afterward. ## Casualties There were no survivors among the 85 occupants.