On October 29, 1929, a Stearman C-3 operated by Continental Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Vernon, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot descended into instrument meteorological conditions to regain visual reference, leading to a 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.
A single-engine postal aircraft crashed into trees during a flight from Cleveland to Louisville after the pilot descended through fog to regain visual reference, resulting in one fatality.
What happened
The incident involved a postal flight operating between Cleveland and Louisville. During the en-route phase, the pilot encountered reduced visibility caused by foggy conditions. In an effort to establish visual contact with the terrain, the pilot elected to reduce the aircraft's altitude. The descent resulted in the aircraft striking trees and impacting the ground within a wooded area.
Findings
The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, was killed in the accident. The sequence of events indicates that the decision to descend through low-visibility conditions led directly to the loss of control and subsequent collision with obstacles on the ground.
Probable cause
The pilot descended into instrument meteorological conditions to regain visual reference, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.
What happened in the 29 Oct 1929 Stearman C-3 accident near Mount Vernon, United States of America?
A single-engine postal aircraft crashed into trees during a flight from Cleveland to Louisville after the pilot descended through fog to regain visual reference, resulting in one fatality.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 1929 Stearman C-3 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Oct 1929 involved a Stearman C-3, operated by Continental Air Lines, at Mount Vernon, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot descended into instrument meteorological conditions to regain visual reference, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.
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