Pilot Off Course Crashes At 12,000 Feet

The pilot was cleared from Bakersfield, California to Kirtland, New Mexico, CFR airways at 0058 MNT on September 15, 1944, At 0302 MNT he reported in over Ashfork, Arizona, which was the last report received. Approximately fifteen minutes later the airplane crashed against the west slope of the San Francisco Peaks at an approximate elevation of twelve thousand (12,000) feet. The scene of the crash was fifteen miles off course on the north side of the airways. Investigation of the wreckage revealed no signs of airplane malfunction. All four engines were delivering power at time of contact with the ground. The investigating board ruled pilot error. The pilot did not adhere to flight plan as filed at Bakersfield, California, namely CFR airways, as the crash occurred fifteen miles off course on the wrong side of the airway.

©AvStop Online Magazine                                                                                                      Contact Us              Return To News