Incident Overview
Description
On 10 December 1985 a total of 12 SAAF Douglas C-47 transport planes from 44 Sqn were detailed to do a formation practice for the upcoming flypast celebrating the types 50th Anniversary. The 12 aircraft did a streamer take off and then formed into three sections of four aircraft. C-47A “6888” (msn 12107) was the lead aircraft and the number 3 to the lead section. The aircraft turned left after take off in order to position 100 meters behind the lead section. Whilst waiting for the other aircraft to move in, a sudden jolt was felt on the control column together with a high frequency vibration, the right wing then dropped and the aircraft went into a right bank. The no.1 engine of C-47 “6874” had made contact with the leading edge of “6888” and had seriously damaged the aileron. “687” had very minor damage with a few cowling panels being damaged. Both aircraft landed safely.
Primary Cause
Sudden jolt and vibration during the formation practice, likely caused by a mechanical failure or instability in the aircraft’s control system.Sudden jolt and vibration during the formation practice, likely caused by a mechanical failure or instability in the aircraft’s control system.Share on:
