BCPA Flight 304 DC-6 crashes near San Francisco
October 29th, 1953
October 29th, 1953

How Long Ago?
71 years, 4 months, 15 days ago
Location
near San Francisco, California, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
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BCPA Flight 304 DC-6 crashes near San Francisco
BCPA Flight 304, a Douglas DC-6, crashed near San Francisco after encountering severe weather conditions. The flight, which was en route from Seattle to San Francisco, faced turbulence and ultimately lost altitude, leading to the disaster. The aircraft was carrying a total of 63 passengers and crew, and despite rescue efforts, there were no survivors. This incident highlighted the risks of flying in adverse weather during the early era of commercial aviation.
All 63 aboard were lost in the crash.
Flight was affected by severe weather conditions.
Incident led to improved aviation safety measures.
The aircraft was a Douglas DC-6 model.
What Happened?
BCPA Flight 304 was a scheduled passenger flight operated by the California-based Boeing Pacific Air Lines, utilizing a Douglas DC-6 aircraft. On the day of the incident, the flight departed from Seattle and was headed towards San Francisco. Unfortunately, as the aircraft approached the California coast, it encountered severe turbulence and low visibility due to inclement weather, which included thunderstorms. Reports indicated that the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude amid the challenging flying conditions, ultimately leading to a rapid descent. It crashed into the Pacific Ocean, just off the coastline near San Francisco. Rescue teams were promptly dispatched but faced difficulties due to the weather and ocean conditions. Tragically, all 63 individuals aboard—comprised of both passengers and crew—tragically lost their lives. Investigations into the crash focused on the impact of weather conditions on the aircraft's operational safety and led to recommendations aimed at improving weather assessment protocols for commercial flights, as well as advancements in aircraft technology and pilot training standards.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of BCPA Flight 304 serves as a significant moment in aviation safety history. It underscored the dangers associated with flying during severe weather, prompting enhancements in meteorological assessment procedures and better-equipped weather radar systems for airlines. Additionally, this incident catalyzed discussions among aviation authorities regarding regulatory measures to ensure stricter compliance with safety protocols, aiming to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.
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