TWA Flight 3: A Tragic Accident on Potosi Mountain

On January 16, 1942, Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) Flight 3, a scheduled domestic passenger service, met with a tragic end, claiming the lives of all 22 individuals on board. The aircraft involved was a twin-engine Douglas DC-3-382 propliner, bearing the registration NC1946. This routine flight, connecting New York City to Burbank, California, included several crucial stopovers, one of which was Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Iconic Douglas DC-3 and TWA's Role in Early Aviation

The Douglas DC-3, a cornerstone of early commercial aviation, was renowned for its reliability and durability. Introduced in the mid-1930s, this iconic propliner revolutionized air travel, making scheduled passenger flights a widespread reality across the United States. Its robust design and efficiency quickly established it as the workhorse of passenger airlines. TWA, or Transcontinental and Western Air, was one of the leading American airlines of its era, playing a significant role in developing crucial transcontinental air routes and services during a period of rapid expansion in the aviation industry.

Fatal Ascent from Las Vegas

The ill-fated segment of TWA Flight 3 commenced from Las Vegas Airport (now known as Nellis Air Force Base, a major United States Air Force installation) at approximately 19:20 Pacific Standard Time. Just fifteen minutes after its nighttime departure, while en route to Burbank, the aircraft tragically crashed. The propliner was completely destroyed upon impact with a sheer cliff on Potosi Mountain, located approximately 32 miles (51 kilometers) southwest of the Las Vegas airfield. The crash site was at a formidable elevation of 7,770 feet (2,370 meters) above sea level, a stark testament to the rugged terrain in the region and the limited visibility during a night flight.

Casualties and the Loss of a Hollywood Star

The crash resulted in the immediate fatalities of all 22 people aboard TWA Flight 3. This included the flight's three experienced crew members and 19 passengers. Among the passengers was the celebrated American movie star Carole Lombard, who was tragically returning to California after a highly successful war bond drive in her home state of Indiana. Lombard, a highly popular and, at the time, the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, was a beacon of patriotism during World War II, actively campaigning across the nation to raise funds for the war effort. Her mother, Elizabeth Peters, and her press agent, Otto Winkler, were also among the victims. This profound loss resonated deeply across the nation, particularly within the entertainment industry, due to Lombard's immense prominence and her selfless dedication to supporting the war effort.

Investigation and Findings: A Navigation Error

Following the catastrophic accident, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the primary U.S. government agency responsible for civil aviation accident investigation and regulation at the time (and the predecessor to the modern National Transportation Safety Board or NTSB), launched a thorough inquiry. The CAB's investigation concluded that the primary cause of the crash was a navigation error committed by the captain. At the time, instrument navigation systems were considerably less sophisticated than today, and pilots often relied on a combination of radio beacons, celestial observations, and visual cues. The official report indicated that the aircraft had deviated significantly from its prescribed flight path and was flying over hazardous mountainous terrain without adequate visual reference or strict adherence to instrument flight rules for the prevailing conditions, ultimately leading to the fatal impact with Potosi Mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions About TWA Flight 3

When did TWA Flight 3 crash?

TWA Flight 3 crashed on January 16, 1942, at approximately 19:20 Pacific Standard Time.

Where did TWA Flight 3 crash?

The aircraft crashed into a sheer cliff on Potosi Mountain, located 32 miles (51 km) southwest of Las Vegas Airport (now Nellis Air Force Base) in Nevada, at an elevation of 7,770 feet (2,370 meters).

Who was Carole Lombard and why was her death significant?

Carole Lombard was a prominent and highly popular American movie star of the 1930s and early 1940s, and the wife of actor Clark Gable. Her death on TWA Flight 3 was significant not only because of her celebrity status but also because she was returning from a highly successful tour promoting war bonds, making her loss a national tragedy during World War II.

What caused the TWA Flight 3 crash?

The official investigation by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) determined that the crash was caused by a navigation error by the flight's captain. The aircraft deviated from its intended course and entered mountainous terrain under conditions that did not allow for safe visual navigation.

What was the role of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in the investigation?

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) was the primary U.S. agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and establishing safety regulations during that era. It served as the predecessor to the modern National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), playing a crucial role in understanding and preventing aviation mishaps to improve overall safety.