Investigation Summary
On November 14, 1961, a Douglas DC-4 operated by Zantop Air Transport was conducting a cargo flight from Detroit to Cincinnati, carrying freight for the General Motors Corporation. During the landing phase at Covington-Greater Cincinnati Airport (now CVG), the aircraft touched down but subsequently went out of control. The airframe veered off the runway and crashed into an apple orchard near Runway 18, where it was consumed by a post-impact fire. The aircraft was written off as a total loss. The two crew members, who were the only occupants, managed to survive the crash and the ensuing fire with injuries. This accident occurred during a period of significant growth for Zantop Air Transport, which specialized in transporting automotive parts for major manufacturers like GM, Ford, and Chrysler.
Final Conclusions
The aircraft was destroyed and written off following the crash and subsequent fire. There were no fatalities among the two crew members. The investigation noted the aircraft came to rest in an orchard near the runway environment.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Airframe
The Douglas DC-4, registration N30061, was a four-engine propeller-driven transport aircraft that was destroyed by impact and fire.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Douglas DC-4 manufactured in 1944.
- 02The flight was a dedicated cargo operation for General Motors Corporation.
- 03The crash site was located in an apple orchard near Runway 18.
- 04The airframe was completely destroyed by the post-impact fire.
- 05Both occupants on board survived the accident.