Date & Time:
Mar 8, 1964 at 2356 LT
Type of aircraft:
Douglas DC-3
Operator:
Hansen Air Activities
Registration:
N410D
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Pellston – Chicago
MSN:
4970
YOM:
1942
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
28
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
923
Copilot / Total hours on type:
15
Aircraft flight hours:
37744
Circumstances:
A Douglas DC-3A, N410D, operated by and registered to Hansen Air Activities, crashed into an occupied house 7-1/2 miles west-northwest of the Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 2356 c.s.t., March 8, 1964. The copilot sustained fatal injuries and three of the 28 passengers received minor injuries. None of the six persons in the house were injured. The aircraft was damaged substantially. The crew was attempting an ILS approach to runway 14R in instrument flight conditions when turbulence was encountered, accompanied by a rapid accretion of airframe icing. The crew was unable to maintain directional stability or altitude, and abandoned the approach. After leaving the approach course, the aircraft continued to descend in an uncontrolled condition until it crashed.
Probable cause:
The Board determines the probable cause of this accident was the failure of the crew to utilize available de-icing equipment and engine power to maintain positive control of the aircraft under conditions of rapid airframe ice accretion and vortex induced turbulence.
Final Report:
N410D.pdf748.22 KB
