Investigation Summary
Flight 4 was a multi-stop service from New Orleans to Chicago. After departing St. Louis at 9:52 PM, the aircraft proceeded north toward the Missouri River. Approximately five minutes into the flight, all radio contact was lost. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing the engines 'roaring wide open' at a very low altitude before the sound suddenly stopped. One witness observed the aircraft banking sharply to the left, suggesting the pilot was attempting to reverse course after encountering a localized bank of thick ground fog that was not present at the airport itself. The investigation found that the aircraft was traveling at approximately 180 mph when it struck the terrain. While the impact was severe enough to tear the fuselage open and throw all but one occupant from the wreckage, the debris field was relatively localized, with wreckage and bodies strewn over a radius of only 50 feet. The pilot's watch stopped at 10:02 PM, ten minutes after takeoff, providing a precise time for the accident.
Final Conclusions
The investigation, led by the airway inspection service of the Department of Commerce, concluded the accident was caused by pilot error. The pilot likely encountered a thick bank of ground fog shortly after takeoff and lost situational awareness while attempting a low-altitude turn to return to the airport. No evidence of mechanical failure was found in the wreckage.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Lockheed 10B Electra
An all-metal, twin-engine transport aircraft capable of carrying 10 passengers at speeds up to 160 mph.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Lockheed 10B Electra named 'City of Memphis'.
- 02The crash occurred approximately 16 miles north of St. Louis near the Missouri River.
- 03Weather at the airport was clear, but heavy ground fog was present near the river.
- 04The aircraft was estimated to be traveling at 180 mph at the moment of impact.
- 05All eight occupants (two crew and six passengers) were killed instantly.