Incident Overview
Date: Friday 22 October 1943
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47-DL (DC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 42-5677
Location: near Columbus, GA –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 20 / Occupants: 31
Component Affected: C-47 aircraftC-47 aircraft
Category: Accident
A C-47 aircraft carrying paratroopers executed a nighttime airborne infantry mission at Fort Benning. Due to a pilot?s deliberate reduction of airspeed near stalling, the aircraft stalled, resulting in a crash and fire.A C-47 aircraft carrying paratroopers executed a nighttime airborne infantry mission at Fort Benning. Due to a pilot?s deliberate reduction of airspeed near stalling, the aircraft stalled, resulting in a crash and fire.
Description
The C-47 flew a night-time airborne infantry mission at Fort Benning. After a few dry runs the airplane came over the jump area and the paratroopers were given the order to jump. Presumably the pilot allowed the airspeed to decay. At an airspeed close to stalling, twelve paratroopers moved to the rear of the plane, shifting the centre of gravity. The airplane stalled and the pilot could not regain control. It struck the ground and burst into flames.
Source of Information
http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/usafserials.htmlhttp://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/usafserials.htmlPrimary Cause
Pilot-induced airspeed reduction near stalling.Pilot-induced airspeed reduction near stalling.Share on:
