Resort Airlines Flight 1081

Resort Airlines Flight 1081 was a charter flight operated by Resort Airlines that crashed during landing at Louisville-Standiford Field, Kentucky, on September 28, 1953. The Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando, registration N66534, was operating from North Philadelphia Airport to Louisville when it stalled during approach and struck the ground. Of the 41 passengers and crew on board, 25 were killed.

Accident

At 16:18 on September 28, 1953, the aircraft crashed during landing at its destination, Standiford Airport, Louisville, Kentucky. The flight had departed North Philadelphia Airport at 13:03 on a Visual Flight Rules flight plan. The trip between North Philadelphia and Louisville was normal and in good weather.

As the aircraft approached Runway 24, it ballooned slightly during the flare-out. Power was applied and the aircraft entered a steep climb. The angle of attack continued to increase until the aircraft stalled at an altitude of about 300 feet. The aircraft then struck the ground nose-first and on the left wing. The fuselage burst open upon impact. The plane caught fire.

Witnesses observed that a portion of the left elevator was hanging down during the climb. The aircraft continued in a steep climbing left turn until it stalled and fell to the ground. There was no organized evacuation due to the severity of the impact and damage. Emergency equipment transported survivors to nearby hospitals.

Initial reports reported 21 to 22 deaths, including the pilot and co-pilot, with the other 21 people being injured. A day after the disaster the death toll was 23 people, with still eight seriously injured in hospital.

Ultimately according to the official numbers, sixteen passengers were injured and 25 occupants, including all three crew members, were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.