San Francisco – Chicago

On November 11, 1947 at 12:00 AM, San Francisco – Chicago experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-6, operated by American Airlines, with the event recorded near Gallup New Mexico.

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.

25 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 25 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 5, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 20, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Enroute from San Francisco to Chicago, the crew informed ATC that a fire erupted in the rear compartment of the aircraft and decided to divert to Gallup Airport for an emergency landing. The aircraft was difficult to maneuver and landed in flames. After it came to a halt, all 25 occupants were quickly disembarked and helped by local rescuers before the aircraft being totally destroyed by fire.

Aircraft reference details include registration NC90741, MSN 43046, year of manufacture 1947.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 35.5284°, -108.7439°.