Narrative:
The Anchorage runway had been cleared with snow for a distance of 3200 feet and width 30 feet. The copilot was instructed to hold the throttles and keep them from retarding on takeoff. As the aircraft ran into snow with the left wheel the pilot removed his hands from the throttles to use trim tabs. As the aircraft became airborne the throttles retarded because the co-pilot neglected to hold them. Full power was added, but it was too late since the aircraft stalled and crashed back into the runway.
| Status: | |
| Date: | Saturday 9 November 1946 |
| Type: |  Douglas DC-3 |
| Operator: | Arnold Air Service |
| Registration: | registration unknown |
| MSN: | |
| First flight: | |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 16 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 18 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Anchorage-Merrill Field, AK (MRI) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Takeoff (TOF) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Anchorage-Merrill Field, AK (MRI/PAMR), United States of America |
| Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, WA (SEA/KSEA), United States of America |
The Anchorage runway had been cleared with snow for a distance of 3200 feet and width 30 feet. The copilot was instructed to hold the throttles and keep them from retarding on takeoff. As the aircraft ran into snow with the left wheel the pilot removed his hands from the throttles to use trim tabs. As the aircraft became airborne the throttles retarded because the co-pilot neglected to hold them. Full power was added, but it was too late since the aircraft stalled and crashed back into the runway.
Classification:
Loss of control
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Anchorage-Merrill Field, AK to Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, WA as the crow flies is 2303 km (1439 miles).
Distance from Anchorage-Merrill Field, AK to Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, WA as the crow flies is 2303 km (1439 miles).
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.
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
