Douglas C-124 Globemaster II

United States Air Force - USAF

Upon landing at Cape Newenham Airport, the four engine airplane went out of control and veered off runway. It went down an embankment, lost its tail and came to rest. There were no casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew started the descent to Paramaribo-Zanderij Airport in poor weather conditions when the four engine airplane struck a hill (1,716 feet high) located 68 km southeast of its destination. The aircraft was destroyed and all 11 occupants were killed. For unknown reason, the crew started the descent prematurely and continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude.

United States Air Force - USAF

In limited visibility, the crew started the descent to Cold Bay when the four engine aircraft struck the slope of the Pavlof Volcano located 36 miles northeast of Cold Bay. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all seven crew members were killed. The airplane was inbound from McChord AFB, carrying seven tons of satellite observation equipment for use with the Optical Satellite Observing System. It is believed that the crew started the descent prematurely.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew started the descent to Recife-Guararapes Airport by night when at an altitude of 1,890 feet, the four engine aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located some 80 km northwest of Recife. The wreckage was found few hours later and all 10 crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

Suffered a ground accident at Hickam Field AFB. There were no casualties while the aircraft was destroyed.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Whiteman AFB, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go-around for undetermined reason when the airplane stalled and crashed short of runway threshold. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

United States Air Force - USAF

On a flight from Morón AFB to Murcia-San Javier AFB, while in cruising altitude, the four engine aircraft struck the slope of Mt Mulhacén (3,478 meters high) located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. All eight crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew departed Dover AFB on a training mission. During flight, the right wingtip detached and separated until the engine number four. Out of control, the airplane dove into the ground and crashed in a wooded area located near Cordova. All six crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

While cruising in cloudy conditions, the four engine aircraft struck the snowy covered Mt Helmos located near Kalávryta, some 40 km southeast of Patras. The airplane disintegrated on impact and all 10 crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

En route, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity. The airplane went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in an uninhabited area located near Cooperton, OK. The debris were found on a large area and all six crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

While on a flight from Wake Island to Hickam AFB in Honolulu, the four engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances into the Pacific Ocean some 1,200 km west of Honolulu. No trace of the aircraft nor the nine occupants was found.

United States Air Force - USAF

While on a local training flight in the region of the Yokota AFB, the four engine aircraft struck the slope of Mt Chichibu locate some 35 km northwest of the airbase. All seven crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Richards-Gebaur AFB, while climbing, the crew declared an emergency and informed ground about an engine failure. The pilot obtained the permission to return for an emergency landing when the airplane went out of control and crashed in Belton, about 2 miles southeast of the airfield. The airplane was destroyed and all seven crew members were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The four engine aircraft christened 'Old Shakey' was involved in a flight from McChord AFB to Lawton, Oklahoma, carrying a truck, several jeeps, two trailers and soldiers from Fort Sill who had been taking part in Exercise Lava Plains at the Yakima Firing Center. After a night takeoff, while climbing to a height of 500 feet, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames in a wooded area located two miles south of the airport. 18 people were killed while four others were injured. The aircraft was totally destroyed. Crew: Cpt Warren J. Fair, pilot, † Cpt Alvin W. Hill, copilot, † Sgt Robert Wayne Cummins, † M/Sgt Arnold R. Neldens, † M/Sgt Raymond E. Overby, † S/Sgt Ernest T. Landrum, A2c James M. Smallwood. † Passengers: Pvt James Aldrich, M/Sgt Llewellyn Morris Chilson, P1c Jimmie R. Hunter, P1c C. L. Buchanan, † P1c T. E. Pulliam, † P1c D. F. Radcliff, † P1c D. J. Smith, † P1c O. M. Wellings, † P1c David Hoskins, † P1c R. R. Kubik, † S4c W. M. Gordon, † S4c W. T. Kelly, † S4c Joseph Lee, † Sgt A. G. Neria, † Sgt Lawrence Harrison. †

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Spangdahlem AFB, the four engine aircraft was too low, hi trees, lost height and crashed onto the runway. All 15 occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Air Force - USAF

On approach to Paramaribo-Zanderij Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and limited visibility. Too low, the four engine airplane struck trees, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area located 4,5 km short of runway. Three crew members were killed while four others were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

The aircraft was performing a flight from Dover to RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, with intermediate stops at Stephenville and Lajes, carrying a load of mail and medical supplies. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing in low visibility due to fog, the airplane struck a hill (450 feet) located about 10 km from the airfield and was destroyed upon impact. All nine crew members were killed. Crew: Lt Donald P. Sheehan, pilot, Lt Robert E. Little, copilot, Cpt Gerald E. Avery, pilot, Lt Leon E. Pedersen, navigator, Lt Harold G. Harrison, navigator, M/Sgt Ben A. Sharpe, flight engineer, T/Sgt Clark N. Orndorff, flight engineer, M/Sgt Edward T. Retus, flight engineer, A2c Wallace M. Williams, loadmaster.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Barksdale AFB, while in initial climb, the four engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. All seven crew members were quickly evacuated while the aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire. The crew was engaged in a nuclear logistics movement mission.

United States Air Force - USAF

Just after liftoff at Incirlik AFB, while in initial climb, the four engine aircraft stalled and crashed. Four crew members were killed while five others were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was performing a flight from McChord AFB, Washington, to Kodiak, with a load of various goods for a total weight of 34,500 pounds. While approaching the Kenai Peninsula, the crew informed ATC about engine problems and elected to divert to Anchorage. Few minutes later, the captain reported he was unable to maintain a safe altitude when, at an altitude between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located in the Petrof Glacier, about 26 miles southeast of Homer. The wreckage was found a day later and all nine occupants were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crash landed at Bush Field for unknown reason. All 34 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew departed Christchurch on a supply mission to the bases of Cape Hallett and McMurdo Sound, carrying seven passengers, a crew of six and a load of 8,5 tons of wood. While approaching Cape Hallett at the altitude of 7,000 feet in a 'VMC on top' mode, the aircraft was already off course by 29 km. The pilot started the descent to 6,500 feet, completed a first turn to the right at 345° then a second turn to the left at 270° before reaching the Cape Hallett Bay. Shortly later, the crew reduced his altitude to 2,400 feet, went through the cloud layer at a speed of 135 knots and flaps were extended when the airplane struck the ground and disintegrated. The wreckage was spotted few hours later 37 km from the Cape Hallett camp and six wounded people were evacuated while seven others were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was involved in a liaison flight out from Donaldson AFB, Greenville, South Carolina. En route, a fuel leak forced the crew to divert to Tinker AFB for a safe landing. On final approach, the airplane went out of control and crashed few miles short of runway threshold. A crew member was killed while seven others were seriously injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Andersen AFB, the crew obtained the permission to climb to 8,000 feet. Few minutes later, the airplane crashed into the Philippines Sea about 55 km west of Guam Island. Few debris were found floating on water but all 19 occupants have been killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

While cruising by night, the crew informed ATC about technical issues with the number three and elected to feather the propeller. In the mean time, the captain decided to divert to Hickam Field. Thirteen minutes later, the crew reported he was unable to feather the propeller that was windmilling while the engine number three was losing oil. In such condition, the captain decided to divert to Johnston atoll closer from his position. Unfortunately, shortly later, a propeller detached from the engine number three and struck the ailerons, causing serious control difficulties. The crew reduced his altitude and attempted to ditch the airplane about 200 miles northeast of the Johnston atoll. Rescuers arrived twelve hours later and were able to evacuate three wounded crew members while the aircraft sank and six other occupants were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Travis AFB, while climbing to a height of 3,000 feet, the aircraft banked left, dove into the ground and crashed in a huge explosion. Six crew members were killed while two others were seriously injured. The airplane was returning to Tachikawa, Japan, after a major overhaul at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach. Crew: Maj Henderson Cagle, † Cpt Robert E. Rogers, † 1st Lt Curtis A. Guild, † 2nd Lt Robert Distefano, † T/Sgt Carroll D. Coziah, † S/Sgt Raymond L. Hart, † S/Sgt Ivan J. Wiebold, A2c Charles R. Vance.

United States Air Force - USAF

En route from Kelly AFB to Tinker AFB, while cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet in poor weather conditions, the four engine aircraft collided with a USAF Fairchild C-119C-17-FA Flying Boxcar. Registered 49-0195, the Flying Boxcar was en route from Sheppard AFB to Carswell AFB with a crew of three on board. Following the collision, both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in a field located near Bridgeport. All 18 occupants on both aircraft were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was completing a flight from Wheelus AFB (Mitiga) in Tripoli. While approaching Ankara-Esenboga Airport, the pilot encountered low visibility due to poor weather conditions when the airplane struck a hill located 10 km short of runway. Three crew members were killed while five others were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

The approach to Binghamton Airport was completed at an insufficient altitude. On short final, the aircraft struck a concrete wall. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the aircraft crash landed. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

United States Air Force - USAF

The approach to Biggs AAF was completed by night and poor weather conditions. On final, the four engine aircraft was too low and struck the ground and crashed 2,5 miles short of runway. Five occupants were killed while ten others were evacuated.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach, the airplane was too low and hit a gravel bank and crashed. There were no casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from runway 32 at Seoul-Gimpo Airport, while in initial climb, a propeller blade on the engine number three detached, struck the fuselage and penetrated the cabin, killing four passengers instantly. Doing so, the ailerons and rudder cables were cut. Before the crew would be able to shot down the engine number three and to feather its propeller, both other blades detached and struck the engine number four. The crew contacted ATC and received the permission for an emergency landing on runway 14. Shortly later, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames in a canal located near the Han River, about 15 km north of the airport. 24 people were injured while 113 other were unhurt. Unfortunately, 22 occupants were killed, among them three crew member of which both pilots. Those killed were: Sp2 Francisco Aguilar, Sp3 Eugene T. Arold, 2nd Lt Bruce E. Barstow, Maj Ansel L. Boiter, pilot, 1st Lt Frederick L. Boudreau, Pfc Stephen A. Bowcock, Pfc Caldwell Brown Jr., Pfc Merle J. Brown, Pfc J. L. Collaro-Gonzalez, 2nd Lt Edwin Harold Glass, Pfc George A. Hills, Gerald Junkroski, Sp3 Avery L. Meeker, Sgt Ralph Edward Myers, Cpt Robert L. North, copilot, Cpt Andrew L. Opiela, Sfc Lewis P. Partin, 1st Lt Jack G. Stone, Pfc Jan Martin Wallis, 1st Lt Paul B. Warner, M/Sgt Joe Neal White, Sfc Harry E. Witherell.

United States Air Force - USAF

Just after liftoff from Elmendorf AFB, while in initial climb, the crew informed ground about an engine failure and elected to return. The captain realized it could not make it so he ditched the aircraft in the icy Cook Inlet. The airplane came to rest and was damaged beyond repair while all 12 occupants were rescued.

United States Air Force - USAF

On touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to halt on its nose. There were no casualties but the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

United States Air Force - USAF

The Douglas C-124 transport plane departed Lajes AFB, Azores on a flight across the Atlantic Ocean to Bermuda-Kindley Field (NWU). The airplane remained on the ground at Bermuda for two hours. It took off again at 01:50 EST, bound for Charleston AFB, SC (CHS). Over the Azalea intersection the pilot checked and was advised that Charleston weather had deteriorated rapidly, presently 15,000 ft broken, visibility 1/4 mile with ground fog. The captain decided enter a holding pattern over Charleston to wait for the sun to burn off the fog. At approximately 06:30 visibility had slightly increased to 1/2 mile in ground fog. Five minutes later a Delta Air Lines flight landed following an ILS approach. The captain decided to carry out a GCA approach and was cleared for this at 06:35. The descent and final approach were normal until just prior to or reaching GCA minimums. At this time the aircraft got too low and clipped the tops of trees that stood about 68 feet above the ground. This caused a fast torque drop and subsequent loss of the no. 3 engine. The co-pilot then declared an emergency. The propeller of engine no.3 was feathered, the flaps were retracted, and an attempt as made to raise the landing gear. Indications were that the right main gear did not retract, and there was damage to the underside of the aircraft. Prior to the emergency the navigator had been asleep (the crew had been on duty for nearly 20 hours). Thus, he had not been monitoring the approach with radar. Also, he made no attempt to assist with dead reckoning, or in any other way to prevent the pilot from becoming lost. At 06:48, the crew became uncertain of their position. They flew for the next 33 minutes in the vicinity of Charleston AFB, at an altitude of only 800 to 1000 feet, because the aircraft would climb no higher even with max power. The aircraft was lost from GCA search radar, apparently due to the low altitude. The passenger and two crew members were killed while seven other occupants were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was completing touch-and-goes at Palm Beach Airport. After takeoff, while climbing, a technical issue occurred on the engine number two that lost a propeller blade which penetrated the fuselage, cutting several control cables. Engines number three and four stopped immediately, causing the aircraft to bank right and to crash in a tree nursery. Three crew members were killed while three others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was performing a special flight from Patrick AFB (Cocoa Beach, Florida) to San Salvador Airport in Cockburn Town, Bahamas, carrying supplies and various goods to the locals following the devastation of the hurricane 'Betsy'. The aircraft was preceded by a first C-124 registered 51-0110 which landed safely on runway 28. Its captain contacted the second C-124's crew and advised them to land on runway 10 according to the wind component. During the last segment, after passing over the runway 10 threshold at low height, the captain heard a noise coming from the right main gear and thought he had made a hard landing. He elected to make a normal hard landing recovery when control was lost. The airplane deviated from the centerline to the right and came to rest in flames, broken in two. A crew member was killed while 12 others were evacuated. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire. It is understood that a strong cross wind was blowing at the time of the accident.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Enewetak Atoll, the four engine aircraft was too low and struck the ground 400 feet short of runway threshold. On impact, the undercarriage were sheared off and the aircraft crash landed. There were no casualties but the airplane was written off.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was conducting a post-maintenance test flight. Shortly after takeoff from Travis AFB, while climbing to a height of 100 feet, the aircraft banked left, stalled and crashed in flames. Three crew members were killed while four others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed. Crew: 1st Lt James Lyman Hayter, 2nd Lt Richard C. Nelson, 2nd Lt Garth L. Tingey, M/Sgt Russell M. Hobart, M/Sgt Harold E. Roache, † M/Sgt Arthur G. Bird, † S/Sgt Amos H. Kolb. †

United States Air Force - USAF

While cruising from Iceland to the US, the crew informed ground about engine problems and the captain decided to ditch the aircraft about 385 km southwest of the Icelandic coast. In unknown circumstances, the airplane crashed into the ocean and all 17 occupants were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The aircraft was engaged in a flight from Iwo Jima to Tachikawa, carrying two passengers, nine crew members and a load of various goods for a total weight of 24,892 lbs. After a run of 3,500 feet on runway 07, the four engine aircraft rotated and continued to climb to a height of 100 feet when it banked to the left, causing the left wing tip to hit the ground. Out of control, the airplane crashed in a huge explosion and disintegrated on impact. A passenger survived while all ten other occupants were killed. Sixteen days later, on December 6, the only survivor died of his injuries.

United States Air Force - USAF

The takeoff was attempted in strong cross winds. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline. Despite corrections on part of the flying crew, the four engine aircraft veered off runway and came to rest. A passenger was killed while few others were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crashed shortly after takeoff from Thule AFB while on a flight to Westover AFB. All seven crew members were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Frobisher Bay Airport (Iqaluit), the four engine aircraft dipped below the level of the runway, then get the correct level. It almost made it but the landing gear caught on the very end of the runway and the plane did a cartwheel which tore off the starboard wing. The nose did not touch the runway, but the entire plane flipped over, broke up into many pieces and caught fire. All five crew members were seriously injured and evacuated to Goose Bay. The aircraft was totally destroyed. The engine number one continued to function for a day or so before the decision was made to shut off the fuel supply. The crew was performing a cargo flight from Churchill, carrying a load of Snow Cats (Bombardier Snowmobiles). Source & photos: Ray White

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Thule Airbase, while climbing, the pilot informed ground about an engine failure and obtained the permission to return for an emergency landing. Following a circuit, the crew started the descent to runway 16 but encountered poor weather conditions: light snow, visibility 1,500 meters and crosswinds gusting up to 30 knots. On short final, the aircraft was too low and the left wing contacted ground. Out of control, the airplane crashed in flames and came to rest 1,2 km short of runway 16 threshold. Ten crew members were killed while five others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crashed on landing. No casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crash landed at Larson AFB. No casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

The airplane was on its way back to Seoul, carrying 122 soldiers on leave and a crew of seven. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of 1,000 feet, the pilot contacted ground and informed ATC about the failure of the engine number three. The crew received the permission to return for an emergency landing and the pilot-in-command completed a circuit to return. On final, he requested more power and fully extended the flaps when the aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion in a field located 5,6 km short of runway. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire consumed the wreckage for several hours. None of the 129 occupants survived. To date, this was the deadliest plane crash in History.

United States Air Force - USAF

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

United States Air Force - USAF

The four engine aircraft was completing a flight from McChord AFB to Elmendorf AFB, carrying 41 passengers and a crew of 11. En route, the crew was informed about strong winds gusting up to 40 knots from the west. While cruising by night and marginal weather conditions, the aircraft hit the slope of Mt Gannett (9'650 feet high) located about 53 miles east of Elmendorf. As the airplane failed to arrive, SAR operations were conducted but due to poor weather conditions, first rescuers arrived on scene six days later only, on November 28. The wreckage was found on the Surprise Glacier, about 1,000 feet below the summit. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 52 occupants were killed. On June 9, 2012, some debris were found and on June 28, 2012, the wreckage was spotted again. Two years later, on June 18, 2014, the remains of 17 of the victims were identified and returned to their respectives families for burial.