On November 17, 1934, a Waco UIC (registration NC13065) operated by Pacific Airmotive Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Newhall, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during flight in foggy conditions, leading to a controlled collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Newhall after the pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude in foggy conditions, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants.
What happened
The incident involved a single-engine airplane that departed from Hollywood-Burbank Airport at 0630 local time for a local flight. Approximately ninety minutes into the journey, the pilot encountered reduced visibility caused by fog. During this period, the aircraft was being flown at an insufficient altitude, a fact the pilot did not recognize. The aircraft subsequently impacted the slope of a mountain located six miles south of Newhall while traveling at full speed. Upon impact, the airframe disintegrated completely. All four individuals on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
The official investigation identified controlled flight into terrain as the probable cause of the accident. The primary contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude while operating in conditions of limited visibility due to fog.
What happened in the 17 Nov 1934 Waco UIC accident near Newhall, United States of America?
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope near Newhall after the pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude in foggy conditions, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Nov 1934 Waco UIC accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Nov 1934 involved a Waco UIC, registration NC13065, operated by Pacific Airmotive Corporation, at Newhall, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during flight in foggy conditions, leading to a controlled collision with terrain.
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