Buffalo – Pittsburgh

On April 18, 1957 at 12:00 AM, Buffalo – Pittsburgh experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-4, operated by Capital Airlines, with the event recorded near Pittsburgh-Intl Pennsylvania.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

55 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 55 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 51, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The DC-4 was on a simulated ILS approach to Pittsburgh when the copilot established visual reference with the runway. The approach was continued visually but the rate of descent was excessive. The captain applied power, but before recovery was complete, the right main gear struck an embankment short of runway. Full power was applied and a go-around was carried out. Severe buffeting and a number three engine fire were experienced as the DC-4 circled for another approach. The landing was carried out safely and all 55 occupants were evacuated. The aircraft was later considered as damaged beyond repair.

Aircraft reference details include registration N88839, MSN 3060, year of manufacture 1942.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 40.4922°, -80.2038°.