Narrative:On 10 December 1985 a total of 12 SAAF Douglas C-47 transport planes from 44 Sqn were detailed to do a formation practice for the upcoming flypast celebrating the types 50th Anniversary.
The 12 aircraft did a streamer take off and then formed into three sections of four aircraft. C-47A "6888" (msn 12107) was the lead aircraft and the number 3 to the lead section. The aircraft turned left after take off in order to position 100 meters behind the lead section. Whilst waiting for the other aircraft to move in, a sudden jolt was felt on the control column together with a high frequency vibration, the right wing then dropped and the aircraft went into a right bank. The no.1 engine of C-47 "6874" had made contact with the leading edge of "6888" and had seriously damaged the aileron. "687" had very minor damage with a few cowling panels being damaged. Both aircraft landed safely.
Classification:
Mid air collision
Forced landing on runway
Sources:
» Paul Dubois, e-mail 21 May 2017
Photos
accident date:
10-12-1985type: Douglas C-47B (DC-3)
registration: 6874
Map
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.