Zephyrhills - Zephyrhills

On April 20, 1993 at 04:24 PM, Zephyrhills - Zephyrhills experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Phoenix Air - USA, with the event recorded near Zephyrhills Florida.

The flight was categorized as skydiving / paratroopers and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

42 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 42 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 40, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. The pilot stated that on initial climb, at about 400 feet agl, the crew smelled something burning, followed by light smoke in the cabin. Both engines appeared normal visually. The odor and smoke increased, and the left fire warning light illuminated. The left engine was shut down and the prop feathered. The pilot increased power on the right engine; however, the airplane would not climb or maintain airspeed. A gear and flaps up forced landing was made into a field. The pilot stated that he believed an exhaust clamp broke allowing a segment of exhaust to scorch cowling and activate the fire warning system. Examination of the left engine revealed that the lower fire detection elements were fused and broken free, and that the hydraulic lines were burned through.

Aircraft reference details include registration N8056, MSN 14290/25735, year of manufacture 1944.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 28.2336°, -82.1812°.