Consolidated Fleetster 20A

Transcontinental %26 Western Air - TWA

The pilot was performing a night mail flight. During the stop in Pittsburgh, he was informed by ground staff about the poor weather conditions and icing accumulation on wings and fuselage. The takeoff run was long and the rotation was completed late, after the aircraft rolled all away down the runway. During initial climb, while flying at a height of some 200 feet, the aircraft made a turn to the left and spiraled to the ground. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire.