Orlando | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The crew departed Orlando, Florida, on an illegal flight to Algarrobo, Magdalena. In unknown circumstances, the aircraft crashed in the department of Cesar. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants (two US citizens) were killed.

Crash of a Douglas DC-3A in West Palm Beach

Date & Time: Dec 27, 1973 at 1147 LT

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-3

Operator:

Registration:

N19428

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Orlando - West Palm Beach

MSN:

11648

YOM:

1943

Flight number:

SHW103

Location:

West Palm Beach

Florida

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

6464

Captain / Total hours on type:

509.00

Circumstances:

While approaching West Palm Beach on a flight from Orlando, both engines failed simultaneously. The captain reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing on a highway when he saw the presence of a truck. To avoid a collision, he made a sharp maneuver when the airplane crashed. All 33 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

Double engine failure on approach caused by a fuel exhaustion. The following factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Inattentive to fuel supply,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Failure of both engines,
- Diverted attention from operation of aircraft,
- Failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions,
- Evasive maneuver to avoid collision,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Aircraft flown about seven hours since last recorded refueling.

Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S off Treasure Cay: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 26, 1973 at 1240 LT

Type of aircraft:

Beechcraft E18

Operator:

Goldways

Registration:

N5000J

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Private

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Schedule:

Orlando - Treasure Cay

MSN:

BA-256

YOM:

1957

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

11384

Captain / Total hours on type:

19.00

Circumstances:

On final approach to Treasure Cay Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea few miles offshore. The aircraft was lost and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Final Report:

Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando in Alma: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 30, 1959 at 2346 LT

Type of aircraft:

Curtiss C-46 Commando

Operator:

Registration:

N7840B

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Miami – Orlando – Atlanta – Chicago

MSN:

30242

YOM:

1944

Flight number:

RDD402

Location:

Alma

Georgia

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

13496

Captain / Total hours on type:

5950.00

Copilot / Total flying hours:

6304

Copilot / Total hours on type:

6043

Aircraft flight hours:

3278

Circumstances:

En route from Orlando to Atlanta, while cruising by night, the crew reported to ATC that a fire erupted in the cabin and requested the permission to divert to the nearest airport. Shortly later, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames in a prairie located in Alma, Georgia. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and both crew members were killed. Prior to the crash the fire was observed by ground witnesses when it burned through the fuselage, allowing burning cargo and debris to be scattered over a large area. After making several left circles, the burning aircraft plunged to the ground.

Probable cause:

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the ignition of cargo in the aft belly compartment caused by contact with an unguarded light bulb. It is believed the fire then breached the compartment wall, and damaged a hydraulic unit or line in the wing center section area at the rear spar., igniting the flammable hydraulic fluid.

Final Report: