Date:	Monday 20 September 1943
Time:	08:49
Type:	Douglas C-53D Skytrooper (DC-3)
Owner/operator:	United States Army Air Force - USAAF
Registration:	42-68729
MSN:	11656
Year of manufacture:	1932
Engine model:	Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 25 / Occupants: 25
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC (MXE) -   United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Military
Departure airport:	Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC (MXE/KMEB)
Destination airport:	Louisville-Godman AFB, KY

Narrative:
Shortly after lifting off the runway, the pilot saw a C-47 coming straight at him. The C-47 was towing a glider, which released immediately after the glider pilot saw the planes were on collision course. Both pilots of the C-47 and C-53 took evasive action. The C-53 pulled hard left. He was unable to maintain control and the plane stalled. It entered a spin, crashed and caught fire.

Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945, Vol. 2: July 1943-July 1944 / Anthony J. Mireles
Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research (AAIR)

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