Paris – Shannon – Gander – New York – Washington

On March 29, 1946 at 12:34 PM, Paris – Shannon – Gander – New York – Washington experienced a crash involving Lockheed L-049 Constellation, operated by Trans World Airlines - TWA, with the event recorded near Washington-National Virginia.

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.

12 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 12 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 9, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The flight was cleared to Washington National Airport by the Washington control tower and Instructed to use Runway 21 However, because it had been necessary to bear to the left when northeast of the airport to a position from which approach to Runway 21 was, not practicable, the flight was asked by Washington Tower if it desired to use a right-hand. Pattern for Runway 36 The flight replied that it desired clearance for Runway 27, and, as the wind was calm, Washington Tower approved this request. The flight approached the field from the northeast and while over the east bank of the Potomac River approximately 2/3 of a mile from the boundary of the airport, turned to the right and started a descent in final approach to Runway 27. According to the testimony of the pilots, Initial contact was made with the runway between 800 and 1,000 feet from the approach end and the aircraft continued down the runway with less than normal deceleration, Approximately 600 feet from the far end of the runway the pilot attempted a turn to the right. After turning approximately 30 degrees, the aircraft rolled beyond the runway end and struck a concrete transformer housing. The aircraft whipped approximately 90 degrees to the right and came to rest across a drainage ditch with its empennage extending over the highway which adjoins the airport. All twelve occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Aircraft reference details include registration NC86510, MSN 2034, year of manufacture 1945.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 38.8513°, -77.0397°.