Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 18 April 1957
Aircraft Type: Douglas DC-4
Owner/operator: Capital Airlines
Registration Number: N88839
Location: Pittsburgh International Airport, PA (PIT) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 55
Component Affected: Right Main GearRight Main Gear
Category: Accident
A DC-4 aircraft was involved in a serious incident during a simulated ILS approach to Pittsburgh. The co-pilot initiated a visual approach, but the rate of descent was excessive, leading to a rapid descent. The captain applied power, but the right main gear struck the embankment short of the runway, resulting in a severe impact. Full power was applied, and a go-around was initiated. The aircraft sustained significant buffeting and a third engine fire during the circling maneuver. The landing was successfully completed, but the aircraft suffered extensive damage.A DC-4 aircraft was involved in a serious incident during a simulated ILS approach to Pittsburgh. The co-pilot initiated a visual approach, but the rate of descent was excessive, leading to a rapid descent. The captain applied power, but the right main gear struck the embankment short of the runway, resulting in a severe impact. Full power was applied, and a go-around was initiated. The aircraft sustained significant buffeting and a third engine fire during the circling maneuver. The landing was successfully completed, but the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
Description
The DC-4 was on a simulated ILS approach to Pittsburgh when the co-pilot established visual reference with the runway. The approach was continued visually, but the rate of descent was excessive. The captain applied power, but before recovery was complete, the right main gear struck the embankment short of the runway. Full power was applied and a go-around carried out. Severe buffeting and a no. 3 engine fire were experienced as the DC-4 circled for another approach. The landing was carried out safely, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair
Source of Information
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0PVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fOIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5939%2C3454772https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0PVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fOIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5939%2C3454772Primary Cause
Excessive descent rate during a visual approach, leading to a rapid descent and subsequent embankment impact.Excessive descent rate during a visual approach, leading to a rapid descent and subsequent embankment impact.Share on:
