Investigation Summary
Capitol International Airways Flight C2C3/26 was a Douglas DC-8-63CF that crashed on November 27, 1970, while attempting to take off from Anchorage, Alaska. The aircraft failed to gain flight and overran the runway, resulting in 47 fatalities among the 229 souls on board. Following the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These recommendations, specifically A-71-003 and A-72-060, focused on modifications to the DC-8 brake system to prevent hydraulic pressure entrapment and improvements to emergency lighting and evacuation procedures for large transport aircraft.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the failure of the aircraft to attain the necessary airspeed for lift-off due to high frictional drag. This drag was caused by the failure of all eight main landing gear wheels to rotate. While investigators confirmed that braking pressure sufficient to lock the wheels was present, the exact source of this pressure could not be determined. Potential sources included a hydraulic/brake system malfunction or an inadvertently engaged parking brake. The investigation also highlighted deficiencies in emergency lighting and evacuation procedures, as the post-crash fire was the primary cause of the 47 fatalities.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
William G. Reid, age 48.
First Officer
James A. Downs, age 55.
Flight Engineer
Edward W. Fink, age 41.
Flight Navigator
Robert D. Leonard, age 53.
Systems & Failure Modes
Parking Brake System
A hydraulic system designed to hold the aircraft stationary; a malfunction or improper release was suspected of keeping the brakes applied during takeoff.
Main Landing Gear
Consists of two four-wheel bogies; all eight wheels failed to rotate during the takeoff roll.
Interesting Facts
- 01The accident resulted in 47 fatalities out of 229 people on board.
- 02The aircraft involved was a Douglas DC-8-63CF.
- 03The NTSB issued safety recommendations regarding the DC-8 brake system following the investigation.