Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 2 January 1949
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-50-DL (DC-3)
Owner/operator: Seattle Air Charter
Registration Number: NC79025
Location: Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA (BFI) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 30
Component Affected: WingsWings
Investigating Agency: CABCAB
Category: Accident
A DC-3 aircraft, preparing for takeoff, struck the ground during its takeoff roll due to ice and frost formations on the wings. The aircraft then collided with a hangar, resulting in a fire and subsequent damage.A DC-3 aircraft, preparing for takeoff, struck the ground during its takeoff roll due to ice and frost formations on the wings. The aircraft then collided with a hangar, resulting in a fire and subsequent damage.
Description
Departure from Seattle was delayed due to ground fog. De-icing attempts were partially successful as the plane was prepared for departure. Although visibility was below minima, clearance was given for takeoff. At 1800 feet into the takeoff roll the DC-3 became airborne. The left wing then struck the ground and dragged for 117 feet. The DC-3 landed back outside the runway and continued until striking a hangar, bursting into flames. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the attempt to take off in an airplane which had formations of ice and frost on the surfaces of the wings.”
Primary Cause
Formation of ice and frost on the wings of the DC-3 aircraft.Formation of ice and frost on the wings of the DC-3 aircraft.Share on:
