SOUTH CENTRAL AIRLINES
South Central began scheduled operations from Ocala Municipal Airport in October 1963 with a fleet of Beech 18s and a Piper Aztec and a route system that stretched from Miami to Charlotte, NC. By the end of 1963 the company served 23 cities including 15 in Florida. Success was short lived though and within months the airline suffered a fatal accident at Gainesville, FL. On the morning of February 3, 1964, South Central Airlines flight 510 crashed during takeoff from runway 6 at Gainesville Municipal Airport killing all nine passengers and the pilot. The aircraft, N2999, a Beech D18S, was destroyed by the impact and resulting fire. The subsequent investigation revealed the airplane had been overloaded, was excessively tail heavy, and the flaps had been set in the full position, resulting in a stall at less than 200 feet above the ground. South Central was never able to regain the public's confidence after the crash and all operations ceased on July 1, 1964.
South Central Airlines timetable effective January 15, 1964 courtesy of Don Henchel.
South Central Airlines timetable effective January 15, 1964 courtesy of Don Henchel.
Interior of South Central Airlines timetable effective December 5, 1963 showing flights to 23 cities across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Courtesy of Craig Morris.
Back of South Central Airlines timetable effective December 5, 1963 with destination map. Many of the cities shown here were not served by the airline at the time. Courtesy of Craig Morris.
Here's a route map based on the December 5, 1963 timetable (including all flag stops). Created with Great Circle Mapper.
The success of South Central was doomed when the airline suffered a fatal accident at Gainesville, FL. On the morning of February 3, 1964, South Central Airlines flight 510 crashed during takeoff from runway 6 at Gainesville Municipal Airport killing all nine passengers and the pilot. The aircraft, N2999, a Beech D18S, was destroyed by the impact and resulting fire. The subsequent investigation revealed the airplane had been overloaded, was excessively tail heavy, and the flaps had been set in the full position, resulting in a stall at less than 200 feet above the ground. South Central was never able to regain the public's confidence after the crash and all operations ceased on July 1, 1964.
A detailed analysis of the South Central Beech 18 crash can be found HERE.
A detailed analysis of the South Central Beech 18 crash can be found HERE.