Super DC-3 (R4D) crash landing at Anchorage

[Duck Pilot]

Your only going one way if it doesn’t feather, and that’s down! Not many options if it all goes pear shaped with a prop that won’t feather and your low at any weight. Height and time to prepare are critical, looks like theses guys didn’t get much of it. Good outcome.

[Pilot DAR]

Your only going one way if it doesn’t feather, and that’s down!

Yes, both for lack of power to climb with the remaining power against an unfeathered prop, and the probable need to reduce power on the remaining engine to maintain straight flight. I opine that's what happened here, a skilled pilot, on top of his game, with a good second crew member, assessed well, and did only what was needed to get the plane safely back on a runway. They made excellent, non rushed, intelligible radio calls, and flew exactly where they needed to be. A better outcome would hardly have been possible!

[EXDAC]

Originally Posted by Easy Peasy

seriously? Arn’t you a ****? Instead of praising the crew for saving their lives and an airframe you decide they have done something wrong. Yea when the motor quit they ‘gave up an option.’ Perhaps they had their hands full with saving their lives.

Why don't you comment on what I actually wrote. I didn't decide anything. I asked a question and, if prop feathering was an issue, that same question will be covered in any NTSB report.

[Rusty1]

To my mind this crew displayed equal or better flying skills than Capt Sullenberger & F/O Skyles,
If only it was not a small little cargo flight in Alaska!!!
Exceptional ability on so many levels…..
end of story 👍✈️

[N707ZS]

Been putting this off but, "why didn't they lower the undercarriage" ?

[SWBKCB]

Originally Posted by N707ZS

Been putting this off but, "why didn't they lower the undercarriage" ?

Would have increased drag and shortened the distance they could fly on reduced power.

[Jhieminga]

I guess they (correctly) judged that they would be scraping over the obstacles at the start of the runway anyway, adding drag to that situation is not something I would recommend. Also, the DC-3 family is equipped to handle gear up touchdowns with a minimum of structural damage, so it is a relatively safe option to choose.

[N707ZS]

Thanks for the replies.

[sycamore]

This accident bears comparison with the B-17 where the crew put the gear down,and then failed to use the other cross runway.In this case with only one hydraulic pump,it would take longer for the gear to come down evenly and lock,leading to a possible collapse on landing,loss of control,etc,and the extra drag as well..Same with the flaps...If crashing is inevitable,fly it under control as long as you can,never give up...
Brilliant bit of airmanship by the crew.....!