On October 21, 1932, a New Standard D-27 (registration NC9124) operated by Pennsylvania Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Somerset, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight fire of undetermined origin caused the emergency ejection and subsequent crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A mail flight departed Washington DC for Cleveland when an in-flight fire broke out over the Allegheny Range. The pilot ejected safely, and the aircraft crashed into hilly terrain near Somerset.
What happened
The incident began during a scheduled mail flight originating from Washington DC with a destination of Cleveland. While the aircraft was in the cruise phase over the Allegheny Mountain Range, it experienced a sudden fire of unknown origin. In response to the emergency, the pilot ejected from the aircraft and abandoned the machine. Following the ejection, the unmanned aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and impacted hilly, wooded terrain near Somerset. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Despite the severity of the crash, the pilot was uninjured.
Findings
Investigations into the event identified the primary issue as an in-flight fire. However, the specific mechanism or source that initiated the combustion could not be determined during the inquiry.
Probable cause
An in-flight fire of undetermined origin caused the emergency ejection and subsequent crash.
What happened in the 21 Oct 1932 New Standard D-27 accident near Somerset, United States of America?
A mail flight departed Washington DC for Cleveland when an in-flight fire broke out over the Allegheny Range. The pilot ejected safely, and the aircraft crashed into hilly terrain near Somerset.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 1932 New Standard D-27 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Oct 1932 involved a New Standard D-27, registration NC9124, operated by Pennsylvania Airlines, at Somerset, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
An in-flight fire of undetermined origin caused the emergency ejection and subsequent crash.
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