Douglas DC-4

Air Tchad

Upon landing, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft slid on its nose for few dozen meters and came to rest on the runway. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

Kinair Cargo

While approaching Brazzaville Airport, the four engine airplane crashed in unknown circumstances on the M'Bamou Island, about 15 km northeast of the airport. All five occupants were killed.

Calm Air International

On short final, the right main gear struck the ground. Upon impact, the right main gear and the right wing were torn off. Out of control, the aircraft crashed and came to rest. All four crew members escaped with minor injuries.

BIF Air

On final approach to Cockburn Harbour Airport runway 29, the four engine struck the ground and crashed, bursting into flames. There were no casualties.

Aero Trades

On final approach to Spence Bay Airstrip, the four engine airplane struck the ground 50 feet short of runway threshold and about four feet below its elevation. The left main gear and the left wing were partially torn off and the aircraft crash landed and came to rest. All three crew members escaped with minor injuries.

Sociedad Aérea del Caqueta - Sadelca Colombia

While descending to Neiva Airport, the crew encountered unknown technical problems and completed an emergency landing in an open field. All occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Panavia Cargo Development

On final approach to Bottle Creek Airport, the four engine airplane was too low and struck the ground short of runway threshold. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the airplane landed on its belly and came to rest. All six occupants escaped uninjured.

Chadian Air Force - Force Aérienne Tchadienne

The four engine airplane departed N'Djamena Airport at 0530LT on a flight to Faya-Largeau, carrying a crew of five, 21 fuel drums and various military equipment. While descending to Faya-Largeau and flying at a relative low altitude, the airplane was struck by a SAM-7 missile that hit the engine n°2. The engine caught fire and detached, followed shortly later by the engine n°1. The captain reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing in a desert area located about 55 km west of Faya-Largeau. The aircraft belly landed and slid for few dozen meters before coming to rest in flames. All five crew members escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire.

Aerotal Colombia - Aerolineas Territoriales de Colombia

After touchdown at Arauca-Santiago Pérez Quiroz Airport, the nose gear collapsed. The airplane slid on its nose for dozen meters before coming to rest. All eight occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Taxi Aéreo El Venado

The crew departed Cúcuta-Camilo Daza Airport at 1830LT on a cargo flight to Tame. While descending to Tame-General Gabriel Vargas Santos Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions with low clouds. At an altitude of 2,300 feet, the four engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located about 32 km northwest of Tame Airport. The wreckage was found two days later and all three occupants were killed.

Aeronorte Colombia - Aerovias del Norte

While cruising at an altitude of 12,000 feet in marginal weather conditions, the four engine airplane stuck the slope of a mountain located near El Libano, about 140 km north of Bogotá. All three crew members were killed. At the time of the accident, the mountain was shrouded in clouds.

Air Zaïre

On final approach to runway 29 at Gemena Airport, during the last segment, the four engine airplane lost height and struck the ground 100 meters short of runway threshold. The airplane went out of control and crash landed. There were no casualties while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Wenela Air Services

Shortly after a night takeoff from Gaborone-Seretse Khama Airport, the crew encountered problems with all four engines that lost power and backfired. Unable to gain sufficient height, the aircraft struck tree tops, stalled and crashed in flames 3,600 meters past the runway end, two minutes after liftoff. A crew member and five passengers were rescued while 78 other occupants were killed. Most of the passengers were employees of South African Mining Company returning home.

Ecuatoriana - Compañia Ecuatoriana de Aviacion

The four engine aircraft was destroyed by fire at Lago Agrio Airport. The mishap occurred in unknown circumstances at an unknown date during 1969. Some unofficial reports says the fire was intentionally set.

Continental Air Transport

While on a cargo flight from Halifax to Santa Maria, Azores Islands, the four engine aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the three crew members was found.

Air Madagascar

Shortly after liftoff, while climbing to a height of 100 feet, one of the engine caught fire and exploded. The airplane stalled and crashed in a prairie located about 720 meters past the runway end. Three crew members and 39 passengers were killed, among them Albert Sylla, the Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The three crew members who were killed were Mr. Chevrier, captain, Mr. Turin, mechanic and Mr. Goirand, radio navigator.

Air Algérie

The four engine aircraft was completing a flight from Algiers to Tamanrasset with intermediate stops in Ghardaïa, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas and Djanet. It was scheduled that some tourists should embark at Djanet Airport but for unknown reason, no one embarked or disembarked at Djanet. While approaching Tamanrasset Airport by night, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck a mountain slope located 8 km from the airport and exploded. The wreckage was found about 300 meters below the summit and the aircraft was completely destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. Four passengers were seriously injured (two Algerians and two Swiss) while all 35 other occupants were killed, among them Swiss and French tourists. The Swiss citizens killed were: Peter Messikommer, Reinhard Wyss, Hans Grieshaber, Christina Grieshaber, Wilhelm Leisinger, Othmar Lienhard, Fritz Matter, Emma Holenstein, Jacques Bachmann, Werner Luethy, Raymond Dorner, Gilberte Dorner, Anne-Marie Lombard, Michel Sechy, Mrs. Sechy, Juerg Sechy. Those who survived were: Jacques Lombard, Aurelio Fogacci.

Avianca

Flight 870 was a scheduled domestic cargo flight from Bogotá-El Dorado International Airport to Barranquilla-Soledad Airport. The aircraft took off from runway 30 at 0315 hours local time. According to some witnesses it appeared to lift off with difficulty opposite the control tower and when it reached the airport boundary the crew announced that they were returning to land. The Control Tower asked why they were returning but received no reply. After the accident tower control personnel stated that during take-off the noise of the engines was louder than usual, as if more than one engine was overspeeding, and that when the aircraft started to turn they observed a sudden flash following which they lost visual contact with the aircraft. Shortly thereafter the aircraft struck some trees 400 m from the "San Ramón" property, in a field belonging to the "Laguna Vieja" estate, between the roads leading to Funza and Engativá. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and both pilots were killed.

Air Congo

The aircraft,was chartered by Air Congo and was carrying out a non-scheduled domestic flight Kamina - Stanleyville (now Kisangani) - Kamina. Eleven passengers embarked at Stanleyville and the aircraft started its take-off run at 1920 hours local time. After approximately 900 m the pilot suddenly saw, in the darkness, an empty fuel drum on the runway. In an attempt to avoid it, he veered left by braking violently on the left wheels. In spite of this manoeuvre, the nose wheel hit the drum. The forward part of the aircraft was lifted off the ground, aided perhaps by the pilot's manoeuvre in attempting take-off. By that time, the aircraft had attained a speed at which take-off would have been possible under normal conditions. Unfortunately, following the shock the drum bounced, fell back on the runway, bounced again and the aircraft in a nose high attitude caught the drum with the right stabilizer. Part of the stabilizer was torn away and fell on to the runway while the drum was tossed on to the edge of the clearway. The aircraft continued further, now deflected to the right by the unbalanced right stabilizer, which was probably completely distorted. The crew immediately retracted the landing gear. After being airborne about 500 m, the aircraft, out of vertical control, dived into the clearway at an angle of about 300, bounced up, fell back 50 m farther, skidded on its belly and finally came to a stop after a swing of 900 to the right. During that swing, the passengers in the rear of the cabin were thrown out of the aircraft through the torn-off cargo door and through the open cabin door. Fire broke out immediately after the aircraft came to a stop. The accident occurred on the north clearway of runway 28, about 150 m from the runway end. All three crew members and three passengers were killed, eight other occupants were injured. The airplane was totally destroyed by fire.

Paraense Transportes Aéreos

During the takeoff roll, at V2 speed, the crew decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and initiated an emergency braking manoeuvre. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the four engine aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest into trees. All occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Slick Airways

Slick Airways Flight 12, a Douglas C-54B-DC, N384, operating as a scheduled cargo flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, New York, to Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts, with a stop at Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, crashed at 0821:35, March 10, 1964, while making an instrument approach to Runway 4R at Logan International Airport. The aircraft crashed in a lumberyard approximately 7,000 feet from the displaced threshold of Runway 4R and on the extended centerline of that runway. Boston weather at the time was: scattered clouds at 400 feet, overcast at 700 feet, surface visibility 1-1/2 miles in moderate sleet and fog, wind 050 degrees (.JPG">), 22 knots, gusts to 28 knots, temperature 32 degrees, dewpoint 32 degrees. The captain, first officer, and freight handler, the only occupants, were killed. The aircraft was demolished by impact forces and the ensuing fire.

Paraense Transportes Aéreos

While parked at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the DC-4's wing tip was struck by a VARIG DC-6 registered PP-YSI. There were no injuries but the DC-4 was declared as damaged beyond repair.

TMA of Lebanon - Trans Mediterranean Airways

Following a normal takeoff from Brindisi Airport runway 05, the airplane did not gain height as expected. After reaching a height of 60 m it began to descend gradually, in a slightly banked to port attitude, and struck the sea about 2,250 m from the end of the runway, 4° left of the extended runway centerline. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a fire broke out. All six crew members were killed.

TMA of Lebanon - Trans Mediterranean Airways

On final approach to Muscat Airport, the four engine aircraft struck the ground and crashed in flames short of runway threshold. All four crew members were rescued while the aircraft was destroyed.

Zantop Air Transport

On touchdown, the aircraft went out of control and came to rest in flames. All three crew members were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Starways

G-ARJY was flying a chartered non- scheduled trip from Speke Airport, Liverpool to Tarbes Airport, Lourdes where passengers were to embark for Dublin, Ireland, Following a normal flight to Lourdes the aircraft was refuelled. The amount taken on appeared to be sufficient for the flight to Dublin. The aircraft was carrying 4 crew and 69 passengers. Take- off for Dublin was at 1710 hours, and the flight to Dublin Approach was uneventful. At 2035 the aircraft reported to Dublin Air Traffic Control and was informed of the local weather and of the runway in use. Subsequently, at 2058, it was cleared to land on runway 24, and the captain stated that he intended to make a visual approach. Shortly thereafter, at 2104 the flight reported having difficulty and that it was losing power. The captain abandoned the approach, swung the aircraft abruptly to the left and made a successful emergency wheels-up landing away from the airport. There was no fire. Although some occupants were slightly injured and shocked, there were no fatalities or serious injuries.

Iran Air

On a cargo flight from Beirut to Tehran, while cruising at an altitude between 13,000 and 15,000 feet by night, the four engine aircraft was attacked by the pilot of an unknown fighter. The engine number one was hit, causing a fire that spread to the nacelle and the wing. Shortly later, the engine number four was shut down and its propeller feathered due to a fuel exhaustion (the fuel tank was apparently empty). In such situation, the crew reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing near Rasht. The airplane came to rest in a field and was destroyed. All three crew members were uninjured. It is presumed the crew made a navigation error in flight, causing the aircraft to fly over the Soviet Union without authorization.

Trans Australia Airlines - TAA

The crew was completing a cargo flight from Sydney to Brisbane. On short final in good weather conditions, the four engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. The wreckage was found few hours later at Bulwer Island, about 1,5 km southeast of runway 01 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and both pilots were killed.

Trek Airways

On the leg from Cairo to Entebbe, while cruising at an altitude of 9,500 feet, the engine number two caught fire. The crew feathered the propeller and elected to extinguish the fire but without success. As the fire could not be contained, the captain decided to reduce his altitude and to attempt an emergency landing. The airplane belly landed in a sandy area located near El Badary, about 30 km south of Asyut and came to rest in flames. All 67 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was totally destroyed by fire.

Syrian Airways

While performing a cargo flight from Accra to Léopoldville, the crew encountered technical problems with the engines and elected to make an emergency landing. Eventually, the captain decided to ditch the aircraft in the Congo River off Mpouya, about 230 km northeast of Léopoldville. While the aircraft sank and was lost, all 14 occupants were rescued.

Balair - Switzerland

The aircraft was completing a positioning flight from Geneva to Mecca with intermediate stop at Dakar, Niamey and Khartoum, carrying a crew of ten and two Swiss journalists. While overflying Sudan by night at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located in the Djebel Marra. The wreckage was located few hours later. The airplane was destroyed and all 12 occupants were killed.

Royal Thai Air Force - Kong Thap Akat Thai

The four engine aircraft was on its way back to Bangkok, carrying the Royal Thai Air Force Chief of Staff and several officials. After takeoff, while climbing, the airplane struck the slope of Mt Wuzhi located 8 km northeast of the airport. All 18 occupants were killed.

United States Navy - USN

For unknown reasons, the four engine aircraft belly landed in a rocky area located in the Sierra Nevada, about 12 km from Jérez del Marquesado, Andalusia. All 24 occupants were rescued while the aircraft christened 'Ciudad de Madrid' was damaged beyond repair.

Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano - LAB Airlines

Few minutes after takeoff from Cochabamba-Jorge Wilsterman Airport, while climbing to an altitude of 9,000 feet, the captain informed ATC that an engine exploded. Shortly later, the airplane went out of control and crashed in Laguna Huanacota, about 13 km south of the airport. A young girl aged two was seriously injured while all 58 other occupants were killed. While being evacuated to the hospital, the only survivor died from her injuries.

Ariana Afghan Airlines

The aircraft was performing a flight from London to Kabul with several intermediate stops. The stopover at Beirut was longer than expected because few technical issues were noted after the airplane landed from Frankfurt. The departure from Beirut was postponed for 20 hours. Two minutes after departure from runway 18, while climbing, the airplane struck the slope of Mt Aramoun located about 5 km south of the airfield and burst into flames. Three passengers were seriously injured while all 24 other occupants were killed.

Pan American World Airways - PAA

Christened 'Clipper Fearless', the airplane departed San Salvador-Ilopango Airport with a delay of five hours due to loading issues. While cruising by night on a cargo flight to Miami, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient and that he was not following the assigned route when the airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located near Mercedes. The aircraft was destroyed and all three crew members were killed.

Avianca

The four engine aircraft departed Quito Airport at 1548LT bound for Lima, Peru. At 1845LT, the crew reported his position and gave his ETA at Lima Airport at 2011LT. While cruising at an altitude of 9,200 feet, the airplane struck the slope of Cerro Baco located about 12 km northwest of Huaricanga. The wreckage was found few hours later and all 14 occupants have been killed.

Loide Aéreo Nacional

When transmitting its position to SBBE (Belém-Val-de-Cans) tower, over "Piranha" reporting point, the aircraft reported it was descending on "night time visual". Failing to obtain subsequent contact with the aircraft, the tower asked a Catalina aircraft, flying over SBBE at the time, to proceed to the above mentioned reporting point in order to check what had gone wrong. The accident was then discovered. Six crew members and four passengers were killed and one passenger was seriously injured. It appears the aircraft crashed in the Maraso Bay off the Carnapijo Island.

Loide Aéreo Nacional

During the takeoff roll, the engine number four caught fire and exploded. The captain decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and started an emergency braking manoeuvre. About 100 meters before the runway end, a tire on the left main gear burst. The airplane veered off runway and came to rest in flames. Two crew members and three passengers were killed, 11 passengers were unhurt and 57 others were injured.

Aerolineas Argentinas

The aircraft took off from Ezeiza Airport at 1554LT on a scheduled flight direct to San Carlos de Bariloche with Comodoro Rivadavia as alternate. Six crew and fifty-five passengers were aboard. Clearance was granted by the Regional Centre Control Area for an IFR flight outside airways, with 1 200 metres as safety height as far as Neuquén and 2 400 metres up to the destination aerodrome. The aircraft carried out routine communications with the airport control tower and with the approach control office until it reached Lobos, where it was authorized to use telegraphy. From that moment there was no further information available concerning the flight. It was later established that at 1645 hours the aircraft had crashed 25 km southeast of Bolivar. All occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and the fire which broke out subsequently.

Japan Airlines

After takeoff, while climbing to a height of 300 feet, the crew informed ATC that the engine number one exploded and received the permission to return for a safe landing. After completing a circuit, the captain realized it was not possible to reach the airport so he decided to attempt an emergency landing in a paddy field. The aircraft belly landed and slid for dozen yards before coming to rest in flames. All 57 occupants were able to evacuate the cabin before the aircraft would be totally destroyed by fire.

Maritime Central Airways

CF-MCF departed London, England at 2148 GMT on 10 August on a charter flight to Toronto, Canada, with planned refuelling stops at Keflavik, Iceland and Goose Bay, Labrador. It carried a crew of 6 and 73 passengers (including 2 infants) The aircraft departed from Keflavik at 0512 GMT on 11 August, after a stop of 1 hour 6 minutes during which it was refuelled to capacity. At 1320 GMT it advised that it would overfly Goose Bay and proceed to Montreal. It arrived over Goose Bay at 1403, nineteen minutes ahead of its ETA, over Seven Islands at 1558 GMT and over Quebec Radio Range at 1807 hours Quebec Radio Range Station relayed a message to the aircraft at 1810 requesting it to contact Montreal Range approaching Rougemont for clearance - this was the last contact with the aircraft. While cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet, the aircraft went through a thunderstorm area, went out of control and entered a spin. In a 70° nose-down attitude, the airplane struck the ground at a speed of 200 knots and disintegrated in a field located 7 km west of Issoudun. All 79 occupants have been killed.

Capital Airlines

The DC-4 was on a simulated ILS approach to Pittsburgh when the copilot established visual reference with the runway. The approach was continued visually but the rate of descent was excessive. The captain applied power, but before recovery was complete, the right main gear struck an embankment short of runway. Full power was applied and a go-around was carried out. Severe buffeting and a number three engine fire were experienced as the DC-4 circled for another approach. The landing was carried out safely and all 55 occupants were evacuated. The aircraft was later considered as damaged beyond repair.

United States Navy - USN

The aircraft was on its way from Miramar to Detroit, carrying a crew of seven. They made a stop at Albuquerque to carry the body of a USN pilot who was killed in an accident two days earlier. While descending to Willow Run Airport, the pilot briefed his crew about the minimums and confirmed that if runway was not in sight at 800 feet, they will divert to Grosse Isle NAS. The approach was completed in a low visibility due to snow falls and a ceiling at 550 feet when the airplane hit the ground near a pond, lost an engine and crashed in flames in an open field located about two miles short of runway 05. LCDR William E. Sale was killed while six others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

United Airlines

Flight 409 originated at New York, New York, on October 5, 1955, destination San Francisco, California, with intermediate stops including Chicago, Illinois, Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The trip to Denver was routine except for traffic delays, caused principally by weather, and the flight arrived there at 0551, October 6, one hour and 11 minutes late. Routine crew changes were made at Chicago and Denver, the last crew consisting of 'Captain Clinton C. Cooks, Jr., First Officer Ralph D. Salisbury, Jr., and Stewardess Patricia D. Shuttleworth. No discrepancies were reported by the former crew and none were found at Denver. While at Denver the aircraft was refueled to a total of 1,000 gallons of gasoline. Prior to departure Captain Cooke was briefed by the company's dispatcher on the en route weather, based on both U. S. Weather Bureau sequence reports and forecasts and the company meteorologist's forecasts and analysis. Following this briefing the flight me dispatched to Salt Lake City via airways V-4, V-118, V-6, and V-32, to cruise at 10,000 feet, and to fly in accordance with Visual Right Rules (VFR). The estimated time en route was two hours and 33 minutes. The only obligatory reporting point along the route was Rock Springs, Wyoming. The flight departed Denver at 0633, with 63 passengers, including two infants. At takeoff, the gross weight of the aircraft was 64,147 pounds, 653 pounds under the allowable weight of 64,800 pounds; an error of 100 pounds in excess of the allowable rear baggage compartment weight 2 was made in loading. Flight 409 reported its time off to the company and this was the last known radio contact with the flight. When the flight failed to report at Rock Springs at 0811, its estimated reporting time, repeated efforts were wade to establish radio contact with it. These were unsuccessful and the company then declared an emergency. A widespread search was immediately coordinated by Air Search and Rescue, which included the Wyoming Air National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol, and United Air Lines. At approximately 1140 the same day the wreckage was sighted near Medicine Bow Peak, 33 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming. The Laramie weather at 0728 was; Scattered clouds, 5,500 feet; visibility 40 miles; wind west-northwest 13 knots; snow showers of unknown intensity over the mountains. The aircraft struck the almost vertical rock cliff of the east slope of Medicine Bow Peak (elevation 12,005 feet) located in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The crash occurred at an elevation of 11,570 feet, 60 feet below the top of that portion of the mountain directly above it. Two large smudge marks were apparent on the face of the mountain. In these marks were four scars, evenly spaced and in a horizontal line, the result of the engines and propellers of the aircraft striking the cliff. At impact the aircraft disintegrated and the wreckage me strewn over a wide area. Some parts were thrown to the mountain top above the crash site, others rested on ledges at various levels, and the remainder fell to the elope below. All 66 occupants have been killed.

Cubana de Aviación

Shortly after takeoff from Saint George's-Kindley Field Airport, while climbing by night, the four engine christened 'Estrella de Oriente' stalled and crashed into the sea about 2,5 miles northeast of the airfield. A crew member and three passengers were rescued while 37 other occupants were killed.

Australian National Airways - ANA

After landing, the four engine aircraft encountered difficulties to stop and overran. The airplane hit a drain, lost its undercarriage and came to rest. There were no casualties but the aircraft was heavily damaged. It was later considered as damaged beyond economical repair.

Pan American World Airways - PAA

Pan American World Airways’ Flight 526A originated at San Juan and departed there at 1211, April 11, 1952, for New York, New York. The crew consisted of Captain J. C. Burn, First Officer W. T. Hutchins, Second Officer J. R. Laubach, Purser A. Perez, and Steward R. Torres. According to company records, the air-craft at the time of takeoff weighed 31,868 kilograms (70,256 pounds), which was within the allowable gross takeoff weight of 33,113 kilograms (73,000 pounds). The load was properly distributed with respect to the approved center of gravity limits of the aircraft. Prior to departure, the captain filed with Air Route Traffic Control an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight plan to New York International Airport, New York, to cruise at an altitude of 8,000 feet, estimating the flight time as eight hours and three minutes. This flight plan was approved. The crew testified that the aircraft was taxied to the end of Runway No. 9, the pre-takeoff check made, and the takeoff run started. During the takeoff and the initial climb, the aircraft appeared to be sluggish but not to an extent to cause concern. At an altitude of approximately 250 feet with the gear up, the flaps were raised and power was reduced to climb power. Climbing at an indicated air speed of 155 miles per hour, the first officer noticed that the oil pressure of No. 3 engine was falling and the oil temperature increasing. This condition was immediately pointed out to the captain, who requested that the San Juan tower be advised that they were returning to the airport. Accordingly, at 1213 the flight advised the tower of its intentions, and the tower replied, “Roger 526A, cleared to land, Runway 9, wind east one eight, altimeter two nine nine five. I’ll notify your company.” The company was notified and upon request, emergency field equipment was alerted. Because the oil pressure of No. 3 engine continued to drop rapidly and the oil temperature correspondingly increased, the propeller of this engine was feathered and power was increased to rated power on the remaining three engines. By this time the aircraft’s altitude was approximately 350 feet. When power was increased, the No. 4 engine backfired several times; however, immediately following these backfires, the engine continued to run in a normal manner. A climbing turn was initiated to a westerly heading, and the captain said that for best climbing conditions he reduced the aircraft’s air speed during the turn to 145 miles per hour. This reduction in air speed was accomplished by using up elevator. Upon reaching an altitude of about 550 feet, No. 4 engine again backfired and ran rough. Manifold pressure was reduced on this engine to approximately 32-35 inches, and again the engine ran smoothly. Subsequent attempts to operate No. 4 engine at increased power were unsuccessful due to recurrent roughness. At 1217 the tower asked the flight to report its position and received this reply: “We are still quite a way out.” And at 1218, the tower advised the U. S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center at San Juan that the flight was in trouble and gave its position as seven miles, 300 degrees from the tower. The captain gradually reduced the air speed to 135 miles per hour, and at this time the heading of the aircraft was changed slightly to the right to maintain a course approximately parallel to the coast line. Because the aircraft was losing altitude, engines No. 1 and No. 2 were increased to takeoff power. The second officer was sent to the passenger compartment to advise the purser and steward that fuel was to be dumped, and all fuel dump valves were then opened. After the second officer returned to the cockpit, the flight advised the tower, at 1219, that it might have to ditch, and the captain instructed the second officer to alert the passengers. The second officer re-turned to the cabin, indicated that a ditching was imminent, took a forward seat in the cabin and fastened his safety belt. At 1220, an Air Force C-47 flying in the vicinity notified the San Juan tower that a DC-4 seemed to be ditching and accordingly was advised to circle the area. Flight 526A continued to settle, and the throttles of engines Nos. 1 and 2 were advanced to their stops. With the air speed near 120 miles per hour, the flaps were lowered to five degrees. Shortly after this, a landing on the water was made. The landing gear and flaps were lowered, and the fuel dump valves closed. The second officer obtained a life raft, which he carried to the main cabin and launched through a forward emergency exit on the right side. The first officer, after an unsuccessful attempt to loosen another life raft, abandoned the aircraft through a cockpit window. The captain entered the cabin and assisted passengers in evacuating the aircraft through the main cabin door until he was swept overboard by the action of the sea against the door. The aircraft sank approximately three minutes after landing on the water. At the time of the accident the weather was: high broken clouds at 35,000 feet with lower scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, visibility 20 miles and wind from east-southeast, 16 miles per hour.

Swissair

The approach to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport was completed in thick fog. The captain told the crew that if the ground was not in sight at a height of 50 meters, he would divert to Brussels. On final approach to runway 23, at a distance of 400 meters from the runway threshold, the four engine aircraft hit the ground in a flat attitude. Upon impact, the undercarriages were sheared off, the airplane crashed and came to rest in flames 300 meters short of runway threshold. All 20 occupants were evacuated safely, except for the stewardess who was seriously injured by fire. Crew: O. Schüpbach, pilot, E. Bill, copilot, E. Senn, flight engineer, M. Rüdlinger, radio operator, M. Hutmacher, stewardess.

El Al Israel Airlines

On final approach to Zurich-Kloten Airport, the pilot-in-command did not realize his altitude was insufficient due to poor visibility caused by night and foggy conditions. The four engine aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area located about 5 km north of the runway 16 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and six crew members were killed while a seventh occupant was injured. Crew: Cpt Theodore Gibson, pilot, † Cpt Robert Constant, copilot, † George Henninger, navigator, † Morgen Jensen, † Terence Melly, copilot, † Shlomo Levity, † Michael Querzia, radio operator.