National Airlines Flight 83
.jpg) A DC-4 similar to the accident aircraft | |
| Accident summary | |
|---|---|
| Date | 14 January 1951 |
| Summary | Over-shoot on icy runway, resulting in a fire |
| Site |
39°52′20.17″N 75°14′14.89″W / 39.8722694°N 75.2374694°WCoordinates: 39°52′20.17″N 75°14′14.89″W / 39.8722694°N 75.2374694°W |
| Passengers | 25 |
| Crew | 3 |
| Fatalities | 7 |
| Injuries (non-fatal) | 11 |
| Survivors | 21 |
| Aircraft type | Douglas DC-4 |
| Operator | National Airlines |
| Registration | N74685 |
| Flight origin | Newark International Airport (EWR/KEWR) |
| Destination | Philadelphia International Airport (PHL/KPHL) |
National Airlines Flight 83 was a United States domestic flight from New York City to Philadelphia. On 14 January 1951, the Douglas DC-4 of National Airlines crashed on landing in Philadelphia. The aircraft over-shot the runway, ran into a ditch and caught fire. Of the 28 people on board, 7 were killed and 11 injured.
The crash
The pilots of the flight from New York City had tried to land the aircraft too far down the runway, instead of aborting the approach.[1] The runway which was icy caused the aircraft to skid off the icy runway, through a fence, and into a ditch. The left wing broke off, rupturing the gasoline tanks, and the airplane caught fire. Frankie Housley and stewardess on the flight opened the emergency door and saw the ground eight feet below. Returning to the cabin, she helped passengers release their seat belts, guided them to the door and gave a gentle shove to those who were hesitant to jump. After saving 10 passengers, she returned to the cabin to try to rescue a baby. After the fire was extinguished, the bodies of five women and two infants were found, one of which was Frankie Housley with a four-month old infant in her arms.
Frankie Housley
Mary Frances "Frankie" Housley was the lone flight attendant on National Airlines Flight 83, which crashed after landing at Philadelphia International Airport in January, 1951.[2] She led 10 passengers to safety, then returned to the burning cabin to save an infant. She died in the attempt and was later found holding the four-month-old baby in her arms. The story of her courage made national headlines, including an item in Time magazine.[3] One passenger called her a "real hero." A congressman labeled her the bravest American in history.
References
- ↑ "Accident report of National Airlines Flight 83". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ↑ J.C. (Jim) Tumblin. "Fountain Citians Who Made A Difference". Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ↑ "Take Your Time". Time. Jan 22, 1951. Retrieved 26 November 2016.