Incident Overview
Date: Monday 25 May 1942
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-39 (DC-2)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 38-505
Location: NE of Alice Springs, NT (ASP) –
ÿ Australia
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 10
Component Affected: The entire aircraft, specifically the payload and structural components related to the ammunition storage.The entire aircraft, specifically the payload and structural components related to the ammunition storage.
Category: Accident
A catastrophic aircraft crash occurred during takeoff, resulting in a burst into flames. The aircraft, carrying a significant load of ammunition, was attached to the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron. The incident was likely caused by an overloaded aircraft, leading to excessive stress and thermal events.A catastrophic aircraft crash occurred during takeoff, resulting in a burst into flames. The aircraft, carrying a significant load of ammunition, was attached to the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron. The incident was likely caused by an overloaded aircraft, leading to excessive stress and thermal events.
Description
Crashed on takeoff and burst into flames. The airplane was overloaded, carrying a load of ammunition. The aircraft was attached to 21st Troop Carrier Squadron.
Primary Cause
Overloaded aircraft due to a high load of ammunition during takeoff.Overloaded aircraft due to a high load of ammunition during takeoff.Share on:
