CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD

Washington

December 15, 1954

TO:

Messes. Gurney, Denny, Adams, Lee, Ryan, and The Executive Director.

FROM:

Director, Bureau of Safety Investigation

SUBJECT:

Aircraft Accident - Pacific Northern Airlines DC-3, N 34970, Homer, Alaska, December 12, 1954

Pacific Northern Airlines Flight 12 crashed at Homer, Alaska, at 1725 AST, December 12, while faking off for a flight to Kodiak . The three crew members Captain C. R. Schofield, Copilot E. G. Schutte and Hostess Eileen Donnan - and two passengers on board were not injured; however, the aircraft was arbitrarily damaged.

A short Field takeoff was being executed on the way 3, which was covered by 7 to 10 inches of snow with windrows. After being airborne approximately 50 yard, Captain Schofield, unable to maintain directional control, elected to abandon the takeoff. The aircraft touched down on the runway, veered to the left, and came to a stop upright off the runway. Preliminary information indicates that the leading edges of the wings, stabilizer, and vertical fin were covered with one-quarter inch of clear ice.

Investigation Clark of the Board's Anchorage office is at the scene.

W. K. Andrews