DuBois-Jefferson County

The airplane was on an instrument landing system (ILS) approach in instrument meteorological conditions. The captain initially stated that the airplane was on the ILS approach with the engine power set at flight idle. About 300 feet above the ground, and 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the threshold, the captain made visual contact with the runway. The captain stated that the left engine then surged, which caused the airplane to yaw right and drift left. At the time, the airplane was in visual conditions, and on glideslope, with the airspeed decreasing through 106 knots. The captain aligned the airplane with the runway and attempted to go-around, but the throttles were difficult to move. The airplane began to stall and the captain lowered the nose. The airplane subsequently struck terrain about 500 feet prior to the runway. After the captain was informed that the engine power should not be at flight idle during the approach, he amended his statement to include the approach power setting at 1,000 lbs. of torque. The co-pilot initially reported that the engine anomaly occurred while at flight idle. However, the co-pilot later amended his statement and reported that the anomaly occurred as power was being reduced toward flight idle, but not at flight idle. Examination of the left engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Examination of the airplane cockpit did not reveal any anomalies with the throttle levers. Review of a flight manual for the make and model accident airplane revealed that during a normal landing, 1,100 lbs of torque should be set prior to turning base leg. The manual further stated to reduce the power levers about 30 feet agl, and initiate a gentle flare. The reported weather at the airport about 5 minutes before the accident included a visibility 3/4 mile in mist, and an overcast ceiling at 100 feet. The reported weather at the airport about 7 minutes after the accident included visibility 1/4 mile in freezing fog and an overcast ceiling at 100 feet. Review of the terminal procedure for the respective ILS approach revealed that the decision height was 200 feet agl, and the required minimum visibility was 1/2 mile.

The aircraft crashed during a LOC DME approach. According to ATC the aircraft crashed after making a procedure turn at the faf. The winds in the area were being called 250° at 10 knots gusting to 28 knots. A caution on the approach plate has a remark, 'precipitous terrain - expect turbulence'. Both occupants were killed.

After takeoff from Dubois-Jefferson County Airport, while in initial climb, the pilot encountered engine trouble. He attempted an emergency landing when the airplane went out of control and crashed near the airport. Both occupants were killed.

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.

The airplane departed Dubois, Pennsylvania, on a private flight to Roanoke, Virginia. En route, one of the engine failed and the pilot reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in Mahaffey when the airplane went out of control and crashed in an open field. Both occupants, the racer Curtis Turner aged 46 and the passenger, the golfer Clarence King, were killed.