Investigation Summary
The investigation focused on the flight crew's execution of the go-around procedure in the Lockheed 18-50 Lodestar. During the approach, the captain reduced manifold pressure to 20 inches at 900 feet and extended full flaps at 600 feet. Although the captain decided to abort the landing upon entering a cloud, he retracted the landing gear without immediately applying takeoff power. Witnesses observed the aircraft maintaining a dangerously low, level altitude of 30 to 40 feet as it traversed the runway. It was only as the aircraft passed the end of the runway that the throttles were opened to 45 inches of manifold pressure, but by then the aircraft was settling. The Lodestar struck the water in a level attitude, skipped approximately 1,000 feet, and then sank. Investigators found that the flaps were only partially retracted (three degrees) at the time of impact, indicating the pilot had not completed the necessary configuration changes for a climb. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) concluded that the captain's lack of familiarity with the Lodestar's specific operating limitations during flap retraction and power application led to the delayed recovery.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aeronautics Board determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to execute a proper missed approach procedure. Contributing to the accident was a lack of proficiency among National Airlines' captains regarding the Lockheed 18-50's operating limitations, specifically during flap extension and retraction. The board noted that the company's training program was inadequate for maintaining sufficient pilot competency on this specific aircraft variant.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
William Merrill Corry. Employed by National Airlines since November 1943.
First Officer
William Hawley Conrad. Employed by National Airlines since May 7, 1945.
Systems & Failure Modes
Flap Control System
The investigation found the flaps were at three degrees at impact, showing the crew failed to manage the flap retraction required to establish a climb during the go-around.
Powerplant (Wright R-1820)
The engines were found to be operating normally; the failure to climb was attributed to the pilot's delay in applying maximum manifold pressure.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was one of only 13 Lockheed 18-50 variants built.
- 02The plane struck the water in a level 'bellyflop' attitude before skipping 1,000 feet.
- 03Two passengers drowned while the remaining 13 occupants escaped the sinking fuselage.
- 04Post-crash inspection showed the flaps were only retracted to three degrees, indicating the go-around configuration was never completed.
- 05The weather at the airport was above contact minimums, and ground witnesses never lost sight of the aircraft.
- 06The aircraft was manufactured in 1942 for the US Army Air Corps and was leased to National Airlines by the Defense Plant Corporation.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Pilot Proficiency Review
The CAB recommended that National Airlines improve its training program and facilities to ensure pilots were fully competent in the specific operating limitations of the Lockheed 18-50.