DC-3 Excursion at Zurich Airport

Casualties unknown • Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH

A Douglas DC-3 cargo flight from London ended with a runway excursion at Zurich-Kloten due to pilot overcorrection during landing.

What happened

On March 3, 1965, a Douglas DC-3, registration G-AMJH, arrived at Zurich-Kloten Airport following a cargo flight originating from London. The aircraft touched down on runway 16 at 15:11 GMT under conditions involving a slight crosswind. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to correct a tendency for the aircraft to drift toward the right side of the runway. This maneuver resulted in an overcorrection, causing the aircraft to veer off the left edge of the runway.

The investigation

Investigators examined the sequence of the landing roll and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident. The inquiry focused on the aircraft's path relative to the runway centerline and the specific steering inputs made by the crew during the touchdown and subsequent rollout phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway because the pilot overcorrected a rightward drift during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-03-03 DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT COMPANY, INC. DC-3 accident near Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH?

A Douglas DC-3 cargo flight from London ended with a runway excursion at Zurich-Kloten due to pilot overcorrection during landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-03-03 involved a DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT COMPANY, INC. DC-3, registration G-AMJH, at Zürich Flughafen (LSZH), ZH, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway because the pilot overcorrected a rightward drift during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/276.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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