Larson - Kelly

On December 20, 1952 at 06:27 AM, Larson - Kelly experienced a crash involving Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, operated by United States Air Force - USAF, with the event recorded near Larson AFB Washington.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

115 people were known to be on board, 87 fatalities were recorded, 28 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 75.7%.

Crew on board: 10, crew fatalities: 5, passengers on board: 105, passenger fatalities: 82, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The aircraft was performing a flight from Korea with veterans on board flying back home for Christmas holidays. On behalf of the Tactical Air Command, the four engine airplane was scheduled to make enroute stops in Larson AFB, Washington, Kelly AFB, Texas, Tennessee and South Carolina with Florida as its final destination. The takeoff from Larson AFB was started in light snow conditions. After liftoff, while climbing to a height of 100 feet, the aircraft banked left, causing the left wing to hit the ground. Out of control, the aircraft crashed in a huge explosion in a field located past the runway end. Five crew members and 82 passengers were killed while 28 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed. At the time it occurred, this accident was the deadliest in aviation history. Crew list and details: http://www.koreanwar-educator.org/topics/airplane_crashes/globemaster_larson/p_globemaster.htm

Aircraft reference details include registration 50-0100, MSN 43238, year of manufacture 1950.