Investigation Summary
Flight 9 was a multi-stop transcontinental service originating in New York City. After the first leg of the journey, the aircraft arrived at Washington National Airport. Following this scheduled stopover, the flight departed Washington at 00:11 EWT, proceeding toward its next scheduled stop in Nashville. At 02:05, the crew reported being over Pulaski, Virginia, at 4,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather, including rain, clouds, and significant turbulence, requiring flight in instrument conditions. Despite the mountainous nature of the region, the aircraft was flying at an altitude that provided insufficient clearance from the peaks. The DC-3 struck trees on Glade Mountain in level flight at cruising power, approximately 1.5 miles left of the airway center. The wreckage was not located until 12:40 the following afternoon. Survivors endured harsh conditions as freezing rain began falling soon after the impact. One survivor, Marine Second Lieutenant Irving Schwartz, played a critical role in the survival of others by dragging a fellow passenger to shelter and retrieving coats and carpet from the wreckage to protect against the elements.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) released its final report on February 1, 1946. The board determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to properly plan the flight and remain at a safe instrument altitude under existing conditions of bad weather. Additionally, the board cited the company's laxity in dispatching and supervising the flight as a contributing factor. The investigation confirmed that radio facilities were functioning normally and the aircraft was at cruising power at the time of impact, indicating the crew was unaware of their proximity to the terrain.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
The flight was operating under IFR due to rain and clouds, requiring the pilot to maintain specific minimum altitudes to clear terrain.
Wright R-1820-G102 Engines
The aircraft was powered by two Wright radial engines, which were determined to be operating at cruising power at the moment of impact.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Douglas DC-3 manufactured in May 1939 with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 2138.
- 02The crash site was located at an elevation of 3,910 feet above sea level.
- 03The wreckage was strewn over a path of 450 feet through dense woods.
- 04Five people survived the initial impact and the subsequent night in freezing weather.
- 05The flight attendant, Sarah Padgett, survived despite a fractured skull and other severe injuries.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Supervisory Oversight
The CAB highlighted the need for improved company supervision and dispatching procedures to ensure flights are planned with adequate terrain clearance margins.