The November 1, 1947, midair collision over Washington National Airport involving a Douglas DC-4 and a Lockheed P-38 Lightning resulted in the loss of all 55 individuals on board the commercial airliner and the pilot of the military fighter. This tragic event, investigated by the Civil Aeronautics Board, highlighted the urgent need for improved air traffic control procedures and technologies in the increasingly congested airspace around airports. The DC-4, operating as a scheduled passenger service from Boston, was on final approach when it was struck by the P-38, which was practicing landing maneuvers. The subsequent investigation revealed deficiencies in existing air traffic control systems, including communication limitations and inadequate radar coverage.
This incident served as a catalyst for significant advancements in aviation safety. The resulting recommendations led to the implementation of improved radar systems, standardized communication protocols between pilots and controllers, and the development of visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) to better manage aircraft separation in various weather conditions. The tragedy underscored the importance of ongoing advancements in aviation technology and regulations to prevent similar accidents and enhance the safety of air travel for the public.
