Douglas DC-3 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 59 events recorded from 1982 to 2009.

59

All Events

31

Incidents

8

Minor

5

Serious

13

Fatal (51 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 07, 2009 Skwentna, AK N777YA Incident substantial A fracture of the airplane's tailwheel shock absorber linkage during taxi, resulting in the collapse of the tailwheel.
Feb 04, 2009 Mojave, CA N834TP Incident substantial
The student pilot failed to follow the checklist and set the takeoff trim properly prior to takeoff resulting in a loss of directional control. Contri…

The student pilot failed to follow the checklist and set the takeoff trim properly prior to takeoff resulting in a loss of directional control. Contributing to the accident were the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action.

Jul 31, 2007 Puerto Concord, CO HK1149 Incident substantial Investigation pending
Mar 01, 2006 Beluga, AK N777YA Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from trees on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
Nov 03, 2002 Port Alsworth, AK N32TN Incident substantial
The flightcrew's failure to maintain clearance while landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a 25-foot high iron mast. Contributing fa…

The flightcrew's failure to maintain clearance while landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a 25-foot high iron mast. Contributing factors were a downdraft, and a 25-foot high iron mast attached to a tractor.

Mar 16, 2001 Donalsonville, GA N842MB Incident substantial
The failure and separation of No.12 cylinder from the engine case that resulted in an in-flight oil fed fire; and the subsequent separation of the r…

The failure and separation of No.12 cylinder from the engine case that resulted in an in-flight oil fed fire; and the subsequent separation of the right engine from airframe.

Sep 26, 2000 CHARLOTTE, NC N12907 Incident substantial the right main brake locked after touchdown causing the airplane to yaw and depart the runway, resulting in the landing gear collapsing.
Aug 21, 2000 KEY WEST, FL N79MA Incident substantial Failure of the right brake expander tube which limited the pilots control of the aircraft.
Feb 17, 1999 NASSAU, BF N15MA Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jul 31, 1998 ANCHORAGE, AK N305SF Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, and the resulting overload fracture of the tailwheel fork assembly.
Feb 03, 1998 MOSS TOWN, HA N200MF Incident substantial Investigation pending
Nov 07, 1997 MEMPHIS, TN N59316 Incident substantial
The pilot-in-command's improper management of fuel resulting in a total loss of engine power on both engines during an instrument approach due to fuel…

The pilot-in-command's improper management of fuel resulting in a total loss of engine power on both engines during an instrument approach due to fuel exhaustion.

Dec 22, 1995 NASSAU, BF N123DZ Incident substantial Investigation pending
Oct 07, 1993 SAN JUAN, PR N781T Incident substantial PARTIAL FAILURE OF A WING RIB DUE TO EXFOLIATION CORROSION AND INADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
Apr 20, 1993 ZEPHYRHILLS, FL N8056 Incident substantial
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN BEST SINGLE-ENGINE RATE-OF-CLIMB SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN A FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO TH…

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN BEST SINGLE-ENGINE RATE-OF-CLIMB SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN A FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A POSSIBLE EXHAUST SYSTEM CLAMP FAILURE.

Mar 10, 1992 SAN JUAN, PR N135FS Incident minor
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER LOADING OF PERSONNEL, AND IMPROPER SUPERVISION OF THE FIRST OFFICER/CO-PILOT WHILE CALCULATING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY L…

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER LOADING OF PERSONNEL, AND IMPROPER SUPERVISION OF THE FIRST OFFICER/CO-PILOT WHILE CALCULATING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS FOR THE FLIGHT. THIS RESULTED IN THE FORWARD CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMIT BEING EXCEEDED AND SUBSEQUENT NOSE DOWN OF THE AIRPLANE ON THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ABSENCE OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR THE CARGO LOADERS OR BALLAST IN THE REAR OF THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.

Jul 20, 1991 ALBUQUERQUE, NM N96H Incident substantial THE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR TIRE.
Sep 15, 1989 COLUMBUS, IN N143JR Incident substantial
THE CO-PILOT'S FAILURE TO RELINQUISH CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT TO THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AFTER ENCOUNTERING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DIFFICULTIES DURING ROLL-O…

THE CO-PILOT'S FAILURE TO RELINQUISH CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT TO THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AFTER ENCOUNTERING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DIFFICULTIES DURING ROLL-OUT, AND EXCESSIVE BRAKING BY THE CO-PILOT.

Jun 26, 1989 PETERSBURG, AK N8042X Incident substantial
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT WHEN IT COULD HAVE BEEN FLOWN BACK TO THE AIRPORT USING THE RIGHT SEAT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACT…

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT WHEN IT COULD HAVE BEEN FLOWN BACK TO THE AIRPORT USING THE RIGHT SEAT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE FAILURE & SEPARATION OF A PORTION OF THE RIGHT AILERON FABRIC, AND THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE FORCE APPLIED TO THE CONTROL WHEEL WHICH RESULTED IN OVERSTRESSING THE AILERON CONTROL CHAIN.

Oct 28, 1987 ST CROIX, N80617 Incident Investigation pending
Jul 29, 1987 LAREDO, TX N39DT Incident substantial Investigation pending
Apr 06, 1986 EL PASO, TX N25CE Incident substantial Investigation pending
Dec 16, 1985 DILLINGHAM, AK N777YA Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 30, 1985 KING SALMON, AK N168Z Incident substantial Investigation pending
Feb 05, 1985 CHARLOTTE, NC N28BA Incident substantial Investigation pending
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data