# NTSB ATL84FA251: Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, N70003, Memphis, TN, August 11, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1984, 01:01 local (06:01 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Coordinates: 35.100234, -90.000831 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1002&lon=-90.0008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6295
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6295/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA251

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,spark plug - loose (contributing factor)
  - maintenance - improper, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - ignition system,spark plug - separation (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained
  - directional control - not maintained
  - climb - not possible
- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

MOMENTS AFTER THE DC-3 TOOK OFF, THE TWR CTLR NOTED THE L ENG WAS TORCHING & ASKED THE FLT IF IT WAS 'HAVING A PROBLEM.'THE CREW REPLIED 'AFFIRMATIVE,' THEN THE CTLR CLRD THE FLT TO LND ON ANY RWY. THE ACFT BEGAN TURNING LEFT AT THE END OF THE RWY & CONTD TURNING AT LOW ALT UNTIL IT STRUCK UTILITY POLES & CRASHED THRU A WAREHOUSE ROOF ABOUT 2 MI FM THE ARPT.A WITNESS RPRTD THE ACFT WAS AT AN ALT OF APRX 100 TO 150 FT AGL, THE L PROP WAS FEATHERED & THE R ENG WAS AT FULL PWR. AN EXAM OF THE L ENG DISCLOSED THE #14 CYLINDER WAS MISSING A SPARK PLUG FM THE FRONT SPARK PLUG HOLE. THE SPARK PLUG LEAD & 'B' NUT WERE ATTACHED TO THE IGNITION HARNESS, BUT NO PLUG WAS ATTACHED TO THE LEAD. THE SPARK PLUG HOLE & B-NUT THREADS WERE UNDAMAGED. A WHITE DEPOSIT WAS FND INSIDE THE CYLINDER SPARK PLUG THREADS & OUTSIDE THE CYLINDER, ADJACENT TO THE HOLE. THE DEPOSIT WAS IDENTIFIED TO CONTAIN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF LEAD & BROMINE, MOST LIKELY FORMED FROM EXHAUST GASES & FUEL DURING CYLINDER OPERATION. A COMPANY MECHANIC RPRTDLY WORKED ON THE PLUGS ON THE PREVIOUS DAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70003](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N70003-1986-02-14), registration cancelled 1986-02-14, S/N 12938 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC3C-S1C3G
- Registry model: [Douglas DC3C-S1C3G](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc3c-s1c3g) (registry code 3021458) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12938
- Airframe hours: 11247
- Engines: P&W R-1830-94 1100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Aviation Enterprises,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 21, 1984, 63 hours before
- Departed: MEM, MEMPHIS, TN
- Destination: ORD, CHICAGO, IL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: Memphis International, runway 36R, 8,400 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 2 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840811040079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840811040079A), Aug 11, 1984: Doug DC3CS1C3G, Memphis, TN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft heavily loaded could not maintain altitude on one engine after takeoff. Burned after crash.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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