Chicago – Kansas City – Wichita – Oklahoma City – Dallas
Flight / Schedule
Chicago – Kansas City – Wichita – Oklahoma City – Dallas
Aircraft
Douglas DC-2Registration
NC13727
MSN
1253
Year of Manufacture
1934
Operator
Braniff AirwaysDate
March 26, 1939 at 02:48 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Region
North America • United States of America
Coordinates
35.5023°, -97.5319°
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On March 26, 1939 at 02:48 AM, Chicago – Kansas City – Wichita – Oklahoma City – Dallas experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-2, operated by Braniff Airways, with the event recorded near Oklahoma City Oklahoma.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.
12 people were known to be on board, 8 fatalities were recorded, 4 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 66.7%.
Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 9, passenger fatalities: 7, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. Shortly after take off, in initial climb, the left engine exploded. Crew attempted to return but during last turn, while flying at 80 knots, the left wing stalled and hit the ground. Aircraft crashed in flames 600 metres from runway threshold. Eight occupants were killed. Crew: Claude H. Seaton, pilot, Malcolm Wallace, copilot, Louise Zarr, stewardess.
Aircraft reference details include registration NC13727, MSN 1253, year of manufacture 1934.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 35.5023°, -97.5319°.
Fatalities
Total
8
Crew
1
Passengers
7
Other
0
Crash Summary
Shortly after take off, in initial climb, the left engine exploded. Crew attempted to return but during last turn, while flying at 80 knots, the left wing stalled and hit the ground. Aircraft crashed in flames 600 metres from runway threshold. Eight occupants were killed. Crew: Claude H. Seaton, pilot, Malcolm Wallace, copilot, Louise Zarr, stewardess.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
3
Passengers On Board
9
Estimated Survivors
4
Fatality Rate
66.7%
Known people on board: 12
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Chicago – Kansas City – Wichita – Oklahoma City – Dallas
Operator
Braniff AirwaysFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
North America • United States of America
Aircraft Details
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