Investigation Summary
The flight was returning to California following a game against Bowling Green State University. Weather conditions at Toledo Express Airport had deteriorated significantly throughout the evening, dropping from 3/4-mile visibility at 19:00 to zero visibility by the time of the accident at 22:02. Despite these conditions, the pilot elected to proceed with the takeoff. The aircraft was loaded to a weight of 49,100 pounds, exceeding its maximum allowable takeoff weight of 47,100 pounds. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off prematurely. Shortly after becoming airborne, the left engine experienced a partial power loss. The combination of the overweight condition, the engine failure, and the lack of visual references in the dense fog caused the pilot to lose control, and the aircraft crashed on the airport grounds. The subsequent investigation revealed that the pilot's license had been revoked prior to the flight for 'demonstrated lack of flight proficiency' and 'disregard for regulations,' though he was permitted to fly during the appeal process. The airline, Arctic-Pacific, also had a history of safety violations and was decertified following the crash.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) determined the probable cause was the loss of control during a premature lift-off. Contributing factors included the overweight condition of the aircraft, the prevailing weather conditions, and the partial loss of power in the left engine.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Flying on a revoked certificate pending appeal; perished in the crash.
Co-Pilot
Perished in the crash.
Systems & Failure Modes
Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Engines
The twin-engine C-46 was powered by R-2800 radial engines; the left engine suffered a partial power loss during the critical takeoff phase.
Airman's Guide Takeoff Minimums
Following the crash, the FAA implemented a rule prohibiting commercial takeoffs when visibility is below 1/4 mile or RVR is below 2,000 feet.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was 2,000 pounds over its maximum certificated gross takeoff weight.
- 02The pilot's certificate had been revoked prior to the accident, but he was flying pending an appeal.
- 03The crash was the first major air disaster involving an entire U.S. college athletic team.
- 04Visibility at the time of takeoff was officially recorded as zero.
- 05The university canceled the remainder of the 1960 football season following the tragedy.
Safety Actions & Advisories
FAA Takeoff Minimums
Source ↗The FAA published a notice in the Airman's Guide prohibiting commercial aircraft takeoffs when visibility is below 1/4 mile or runway visual range is below 2,000 feet.
Carrier Decertification
The Arctic-Pacific Company lost its certificate to charter airplanes following the investigation into the crash and the pilot's licensing status.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Pilot Licensing and Regulatory Loophole
Reference ↗Captain Donald L. J. Chesher was flying on a revoked certificate at the time of the crash. The FAA had revoked his license for previous violations, including flying in weather below minimums, but a legal loophole allowed him to continue operating commercial flights while his appeal was pending.
Arctic-Pacific Safety Record
Reference ↗The investigation into the crash brought to light the airline's history of regulatory non-compliance. The FAA subsequently revoked Arctic-Pacific's operating certificate, citing the company's failure to ensure their pilots met proficiency standards and their disregard for weight and balance limitations.