Crash of a Douglas C-47A-35-DK in the Mediterranean Sea: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 3, 1980
Registration:
ECT-025
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Madrid - Perpignan - Frankfurt
MSN:
13375
YOM:
1944
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The DC-3 aircraft had been decommissioned by Spanish Air Force and stored at Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport. It was auctioned in July 1979 and bought by Kurfiss Aviation of Germany to become part of an aviation museum. The aircraft was then repaired by mechanics contracted by the new owner. A provisional, restricted Certificate of Airworthiness was issued to allow the airplane to be ferried to Frankfurt via Perpignan Airport (PGF). On the day of the ferry flight a VHF radio was installed but two-way communication could not be established. The departure was delayed until finally took off at 15:29 hours, without authorization, using a runway which was not rated for the weight of the DC-3 aircraft. There was no communication with the flight due to the radio problems. The aircraft presumably reached the zone of Barcelona in very low visibility conditions, due to both the hazy conditions and the diminishing daylight hours. The airplane did not arrive at Perpignan. A search operation was started but no sign of the plane was found. It is presumed to have crashed in the Mediterranean Sea.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences as the wreckage was not found, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL near Puerto Berrío: 3 killed

Date & Time: Sep 10, 1980 at 2130 LT
Registration:
HK-329
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Barranquilla - Bogotá
MSN:
4404
YOM:
1942
Country:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Barranquilla-Ernesto Cortissoz Airport at 1930LT on a cargo flight to Bogotá. About two hours later, while cruising in poor weather conditions, the airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in a wooded area located near Puerto Berrío. The wreckage was found few hours later and all three crew members were killed:
Crew:
Jaime Feged, pilot,
Arnovis Guarín, copilot,
Rafael Melo, mechanic.
Probable cause:
Loss of control while cruising in severe turbulences after one wing detached following rivets failure.

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-23-DK in Asunción: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 27, 1980
Operator:
Registration:
2016
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Asunción – Ayolas
MSN:
15703/27148
YOM:
1945
Country:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi Airport, the crew reported an engine failure and was cleared to return for an emergency landing. The pilot-in-command completed a turn to reach the approach path when the airplane stalled and crashed onto houses located in the district of Lambaré, about 12 km southwest of the airport. All occupants were injured, one pilot was killed and there were no casualties on the ground.
Probable cause:
Engine failure for undetermined reasons.

Crash of a Douglas C-47 in Guwahati: 9 killed

Date & Time: Aug 23, 1980
Operator:
Registration:
HJ235
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Circumstances:
Crashed shortly after takeoff from Guwahati Airport, killing all nine occupants.

Crash of a Douglas R4D-5 in New Smyrna Beach

Date & Time: Aug 1, 1980 at 1647 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N45864
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
New Smyrna Beach – Oranjestad
MSN:
9304
YOM:
1943
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3500
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll at New Smyrna Beach Airport, en route to Oranjestad, the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane that veered off runway, collided with trees and burst into flames. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Ground loop during takeoff run after the pilot failed to maintain directional control. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to abort takeoff,
- Physical impairment,
- Alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment,
- Unqualified person operated aircraft,
- Pilot's blood level 1,5‰ ,
- Pilot did not have a type certificate and attempted flight without copilot.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-10-DK in North Sinai: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 10, 1980
Operator:
Registration:
4X-FNV/036
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
MSN:
14865/26310
YOM:
1944
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
Struck the slope of a mountain located in North Sinai, killing all four crew members.

Crash of a Douglas C-47 in the Gulf of Thailand: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 2, 1980
Operator:
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
19
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The airplane was engaged in a training flight when it crashed in unknown circumstances in the Gulf of Thailand, about 96 km off the Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Two passengers were killed while 19 other occupants were rescued.

Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL in Útila

Date & Time: May 28, 1980
Operator:
Registration:
HR-SAC
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
4232
YOM:
1941
Country:
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Útila Airport, the airplane was too low. It struck a concrete wall, lost its undercarriage and crash landed. There were no casualties.

Crash of a Douglas C-47B-20-DK in Fort Lauderdale

Date & Time: Apr 23, 1980 at 1654 LT
Registration:
N709Z
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bimini - Fort Lauderdale
MSN:
15737/27182
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
12053
Captain / Total hours on type:
64.00
Circumstances:
On final approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, the airplane stalled and crashed near Dania. A pilot was seriously injured while seven other occupants were slightly injured.
Probable cause:
Stall and subsequent crash while initiating a go-around. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot-in-command delayed in initiating go-around,
- The pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed,
- The copilot failed to follow approved procedures,
- The copilot misused or failed to use flaps.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-30-DL in Athol: 3 killed

Date & Time: Apr 11, 1980 at 1700 LT
Registration:
N64490
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Athol - Athol
MSN:
13915/25360
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
3600
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Athol-Silverwood, while in initial climb, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It stalled and crashed in flames in a prairie located past the runway end. All three passengers were seriously injured while all three crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure during initial climb for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to abort takeoff,
- First flight of aircraft for approximately 11 months,
- Pilot's certificate was under suspension.
Final Report: