Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 18 October 1944
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-54A-15-DC (DC-4)
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 42-72249
Location: Langstone Downs, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall –
ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 9
Component Affected: AltimeterAltimeter
Category: Accident
A C-54A transport plane experienced a diversion to RAF Exeter due to adverse weather and an incorrect altimeter setting. The pilot subsequently impacted a hillside, resulting in fire. This incident highlights the importance of accurate pressure readings for navigation.A C-54A transport plane experienced a diversion to RAF Exeter due to adverse weather and an incorrect altimeter setting. The pilot subsequently impacted a hillside, resulting in fire. This incident highlights the importance of accurate pressure readings for navigation.
Description
The C-54A transport plane was not able to land at the destination of RAF St. Mawgan due to poor weather and an inoperative radio compass. The pilot decided to divert to RAF Exeter. Then the navigator and checkpilot realised they had used the wrong barometric pressure setting for the altimeter, causing the airplane to be too low. The airplane then impacted a hillside and caught fire.
Source of Information
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/db.asphttp://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/db.aspPrimary Cause
Incorrect barometric pressure setting on the altimeter caused the airplane to be too low, leading to a hillside impact.Incorrect barometric pressure setting on the altimeter caused the airplane to be too low, leading to a hillside impact.Share on:
