Crash of a Douglas C-48A-DO in DuBois

Date & Time: Mar 27, 1975 at 1435 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N6
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
DuBois - Harrisburg
MSN:
4146
YOM:
1941
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
17177
Captain / Total hours on type:
3300.00
Aircraft flight hours:
13901
Circumstances:
While taking off from runway 25 at DuBois-Jefferson County Airport, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway to the left, went down an embankment and came to rest in a wooded area. All 11 occupants were injured while the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot, inexperienced and unqualified in the DC-3, was making the takeoff with a 7-knot crosswind and with an unlocked tailwheel.
Probable cause:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control at takeoff because of the inexperience of the unqualified pilot making the takeoff and because of the failure of the experienced pilot in the right seat to assume timely control. The accident sequence was initiated by the poor judgment of the pilot-in-command in allowing an unqualified pilot to make the takeoff and by the Regional Director's assuming the left seat which was contrary to his own operating rules to assure that this aircraft was operated by qualified pilots at their respective duty stations.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-48B in Bogotá: 26 killed

Date & Time: Apr 2, 1951
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
HK-142
Survivors:
No
MSN:
1957
YOM:
1937
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
23
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
26
Circumstances:
On final approach to Techo Airport in Bogotá, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion few hundred yards short of runway. There were no survivors among the 26 occupants.

Crash of a Douglas C-48C-DO in Karachi: 23 killed

Date & Time: Dec 27, 1947
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
VT-AUG
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Karachi – Bombay
MSN:
4175
YOM:
1941
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
19
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
23
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff by night, while in initial climb, the aircraft banked right, stalled and crashed by a 30° nose down angle in Korangi Creek. All 23 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, visibility was poor and weather conditions were considered as marginal.
Probable cause:
The loss of control was most likely caused by inadequate illumination of the flying instruments due to faults in the lighting system. The captain was seriously at fault in deciding to takeoff for a night flight in bad visibility after his instrument panel lighting had proved unserviceable, and before a thorough check be made.