Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 15 June 1954
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-25-DK (DC-3)
Owner/operator: Delta Air Lines
Registration Number: N51359
Location: Atlanta, GA –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Component Affected: Aircraft airspeed and control system.Aircraft airspeed and control system.
Investigating Agency: CABCAB
Category: Accident
An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of airspeed during takeoff due to strong gusts following a rain shower. The aircraft rapidly lowered its nose to regain airspeed, resulting in a loss of altitude and impact with the ground.An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of airspeed during takeoff due to strong gusts following a rain shower. The aircraft rapidly lowered its nose to regain airspeed, resulting in a loss of altitude and impact with the ground.
Description
Light rain was encountered when the aircraft climbed through 200-250 feet after takeoff. Power was reduced to 35″ manifold pressure; the aircraft then suddenly lost airspeed rapidly. Full power was applied and the nose lowered to gain airspeed. The speed dropped to 60 knots and the aircraft struck he ground as a result. PROBABLE CAUSE: “A rapid loss of airspeed immediately following takeoff caused by unexpected, strong gusts or divergent winds accompanying a local rain shower.”
Primary Cause
Unexpected, strong gusts or divergent winds accompanying a local rain shower caused a rapid loss of airspeed immediately following takeoff.Unexpected, strong gusts or divergent winds accompanying a local rain shower caused a rapid loss of airspeed immediately following takeoff.Share on:
