Investigation Summary
The Douglas DC-7B, intended for delivery to Continental Airlines, was conducting its first functional test flight to check carburetor operation at maximum cruise power. Simultaneously, two F-89 Scorpion jets were performing radar fire control system tests following overhauls. The collision occurred in clear skies while both aircraft were operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The F-89 was executing a left turn as part of a simulated intercept when it struck the DC-7B, shearing off a portion of the airliner's left wing. The DC-7B remained airborne for approximately 20 seconds before entering an uncontrollable spiral. Wreckage, including the four engines and fuselage, created distinct craters on the Pacoima Junior High School playground where 220 students were finishing outdoor activities. The disaster is notably linked to the early life of rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens, who was a student at the school but was absent that day; his subsequent fear of flying was rooted in this event.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) determined the probable cause was "the high rate of near head-on closure at high altitude, which together with physiological limitations, resulted in a minimum avoidance opportunity during which the pilots didn't see each other's aircraft." As a result, the CAB implemented new restrictions requiring all aircraft test flights to be conducted over open water or sparsely populated areas.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Douglas Aircraft Company N8210H — Douglas DC-7B · N8210H
United States Air Force 52-1870A — Northrop F-89J Scorpion · 52-1870A
Crew Experience
Pilot
William G. Carr. Last medical Feb 9, 1956.
Flight Engineer
Waldo B. Adams
Systems & Failure Modes
See and Avoid
The primary method of collision avoidance under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which failed due to high closure speeds and physiological limitations of the human eye.
Radar Fire Control System
The F-89 was airborne specifically to test this system following an overhaul.
Interesting Facts
- 01The DC-7B had only 1 hour of total airframe time at the time of the accident.
- 02Three students at Pacoima Junior High School were killed by falling wreckage and debris.
- 03Approximately 75 students on the school playground suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical.
- 04The collision occurred at an altitude of 25,000 feet in clear weather conditions.
- 05The F-89 was performing a simulated intercept, turning left from a 135-degree heading to 45 degrees.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Test Flight Restrictions
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) mandated that all future military and civilian test flights be conducted over open water or approved sparsely populated areas.