Narrative:
The Constellation, named "Star of Geneva", was approaching Newcastle as a rainsquall passed over the airport. The suggestion by ATC to divert to Philadelphia was turned down, as was the suggestion to use another runway because of shifting winds. The aircraft landed on runway 14 but could not be stopped on the remaining runway length. Power was applied briefly because the captain tried to takeoff again, but he rapidly changing his mind. The aircraft went off the runway through trees, skidded across a highway striking two automobiles. The Constellation continued 650 feet until coming to rest on fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Poor judgement of the pilot in continuing in his attempt to land on a wet runway with a tail wind component in excess of 16mph after having passed 2100ft of the runway."
Runway excursion
» CAB File No. 7714-46
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Saturday 12 October 1946 |
| Time: | 18:15 |
| Type: |  Lockheed L-049-46-28 Constellation |
| Operator: | Transcontinental & Western Air - TWA |
| Registration: | NC86512 |
| MSN: | 2039 |
| First flight: | 1946 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 1195 |
| Engines: | 4 Wright R-3350 (745C18BA3) Cyclone |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 8 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 8 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Newcastle, DE ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Ferry/positioning |
| Departure airport: | New York-La Guardia Airport, NY (LGA/KLGA), United States of America |
| Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE (ILG/KILG), United States of America |
The Constellation, named "Star of Geneva", was approaching Newcastle as a rainsquall passed over the airport. The suggestion by ATC to divert to Philadelphia was turned down, as was the suggestion to use another runway because of shifting winds. The aircraft landed on runway 14 but could not be stopped on the remaining runway length. Power was applied briefly because the captain tried to takeoff again, but he rapidly changing his mind. The aircraft went off the runway through trees, skidded across a highway striking two automobiles. The Constellation continued 650 feet until coming to rest on fire.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Poor judgement of the pilot in continuing in his attempt to land on a wet runway with a tail wind component in excess of 16mph after having passed 2100ft of the runway."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Late landingRunway excursion
Sources:
» Air Britain Casualty compendium (pt. 44)» CAB File No. 7714-46
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 New York-La Guardia Airport, NY to Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE as the crow flies is 190 km (119 miles).
Distance from New York-La Guardia Airport, NY to Wilmington-New Castle County Airport, DE as the crow flies is 190 km (119 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.
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