Investigation Summary
The flight was operating from Newark to Norfolk with a scheduled stop in Philadelphia. The departure was delayed by 33 minutes due to a generator replacement. During the approach to Philadelphia, the crew was informed that the ILS glide path was inoperative and that braking action on Runway 9 was poor to fair due to wet snow. Although the crew later claimed they did not receive the braking action report, tower personnel recorded the acknowledgment. The aircraft emerged from the overcast at approximately 500 feet but was observed by ground witnesses to be already 1,200 feet past the runway threshold when it became visible. Instead of initiating a missed approach, the captain continued the landing. The DC-4 floated a considerable distance before touching down on the slippery surface. Unable to stop, the aircraft crashed through a perimeter fence and into a ditch, which caused the left wing to separate and the fuel tanks to rupture. The resulting fire consumed the fuselage, making rescue efforts by airport fire services futile for those trapped inside.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) determined the probable cause was the captain's error in judgment in landing the aircraft too far down the slippery runway instead of executing a missed approach procedure. Contributory factors included the presence of wet snow on the runway and the resulting poor-to-fair braking conditions.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Howell C. Barwick
First Officer
Edward J. Zatarain
Systems & Failure Modes
ILS Glide Path
The instrument landing system glide path at Philadelphia was inoperative at the time of the accident, requiring a non-precision approach.
Braking System
The aircraft's wheel brakes were unable to decelerate the plane effectively due to the accumulation of wet snow on the runway surface.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Douglas DC-4 manufactured in 1947, with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 43102.
- 02The runway was covered in wet snow, significantly reducing braking effectiveness.
- 03The aircraft was first observed beneath the overcast approximately 1,200 feet east of the threshold of Runway 9, over the intersection of Runways 4/22 and 9/27.
- 04Flight attendant Frankie Housley was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal for her bravery.
- 05The total weight at takeoff was 58,601 pounds, well within the 64,211-pound limit.
- 06There were three infants on board; two were among the seven fatalities, while one survived.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Heroism Recognition
The accident led to significant recognition of cabin crew safety roles, exemplified by the posthumous honors for Mary Frances Housley, including her induction into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Braking Action Communication
Tower personnel stated they transmitted a warning that braking action was poor-to-fair and that the crew acknowledged it, but the surviving pilots claimed they never received this specific information.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the entered by an editor.