Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

The Fairchild C-119G airtanker had been dispatched to a fire about six miles west of Castle Crags State Park, California at 17:05 and departed the Siskiyou County Airport, CA (SIY) shortly thereafter. N48076, another airtanker of the same kind, a leadplane, and an air attack arrived at the fire at the same time. Two more airtankers followed shortly thereafter. The leadplane identified the target, the approach and departure routes, indicated the target was at an elevation of 4,500 feet, that the ridge on final approach was to be crossed at 6,600 feet, advised there was no wind, there was good visibility, and that there was no turbulence except a "1.5g bump" going across the head of the fire. The leadplane directed one of the C-119 airtankers to drop first. That airtanker aborted their first run because of excess speed. On the second pass, it crossed the ridge at a different point, permitting a somewhat longer final approach. That drop was a successful one. The run was made through a saddle then down a creek to the fire some two miles down stream with a planned exit down stream into a larger canyon. The leadplane then directed the mishap C-119G airtanker to drop next. The mishap airtanker used the same approach as the first airtanker. The mishap airtanker reached the uphill side of the fire when the crew reported trouble maintaining proper speed and dropped their retardant on the fire. At about the time the pilot dropped the retardant, a structural failure occurred and the right wing separated from the airframe along with the tip of the left wing and the tail booms. The fuselage with both engines and most of the left wing attached encountered terrain impact and burned as a unit. Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire

Northern Pacific Transport

The airplane was destabilized by a slight vertical air movement on approach. The pilot touched the airplane down short of the runway proper, collapsing the landing gear before sliding off the strip into adjacent tundra. All five occupants escaped uninjured.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

The pilot was attempting a takeoff on an airstrip where braking action was considered good during the normal summer season. It was about 3,000 feet in elevation and was snow covered most of the year, as on the day of the accident. The strip accommodated takeoffs to the south only due to grading and obstructions. Frequently, this meant a downwind takeoff. On the day of the accident, there was a 5 knots wind from the north with gusts to 10 knots. The pilot said that nose wheel steering was not effective due to the surface and the rudder was not responsive due to the tailwind. Most pilots used a 25° (right turn) dogleg of the runway at the north end to start their takeoff, especially when tailwinds were present. The accident aircraft went off the runway to the left and collided with a snowbank where it nosed over. All four occupants escaped uninjured.

Republic of China Air Force

Shortly after takeoff from Kinmen-Shang Yi Airport (Quemoy Island), while climbing, the right engine caught fire. The aircraft lost height and crashed into the sea few hundred meters off shore. Nine occupants were rescued while 31 others were killed.

Supra International

While taxiing on the icy Kagoak River, the airplane went through the ice and partially sank. There were no injuries.

Gifford Aviation

Upon landing at Dahl Creek, the right main gear collapsed. The airplane slid for few dozen yards before coming to rest. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Hemet Valley Flying Service

The airplane departed Santa Barbara Airport at 0857LT, heading for a fire burning on the Los Padres National Forest. The airtanker arrived at the fire location and was given direction for the drop by the Incident Commander (IC). The IC instructed the airtanker pilots to keep the drop high because of steep terrain and snags. They were also instructed to drop only one-half the retardant, saving the remainder for another run. The airtanker pilots acknowledged the instructions. The airtanker pilots notified the IC that they were on final approach. As the airtanker approached the intended drop area, the IC noted from the sound of the engines that they were "revved up." He also heard cracking and popping sounds. When the airtanker came into his sight, the IC and another person noticed that the drop doors on the airtanker were not open and that the landing gear was retracted. The IC had worked with this airtanker and its crewmembers on several previous occasions. The IC noted that the airtanker was lower than he had expected, traveling at an air speed higher than he had observed on previous drops, and that the airtanker was in a descending attitude. The IC and one other person observed the airtanker continue past the intended drop site and then suddenly drop vertically approximately 50 to 100 feet. At that moment, the left wing tip (approximately half of the total left wing span) flexed downward, snapped off, and began cartwheeling along behind the airtanker. The airtanker began to roll left, its nose began to drop, it began to strike trees, and then it struck ground at 0927. The captain and copilot were fatally injured upon impact. The aircraft was totally destroyed. Source: USDA & USFS

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

En route from Bettles to Fort Yukon on a fire fighting mission, the airplane was climbing when the right engine caught fire and exploded. The captain ordered the four passengers (firefighters) and the copilot to evacuate the cabin and the captain, sole on board, attempted an emergency landing on a sandbar located near the Kayokuk River. All six occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Gifford Aviation

On landing at King Salmon Airport, the left engine fire warning sounded. In the meantime, an explosion occurred in the left wing tip. The crew lost control of the airplane that veered off runway and came to rest in flames. While both occupants escaped uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Republic of China Air Force

Around 1400LT, the aircraft departed Chiayi on a liaison flight to Hsinchu. Weather conditions en route were not favorable with low clouds. About an hour into the flight, while cruising in clouds, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Daxue. The wreckage was found two months later, in October, in an isolated area. All 20 occupants were killed. Among the 15 passengers, seven were from the 41st Squadron and eight from the 42nd Squadron. Crew: Cpt Peng Tiansheng, pilot, Lt Zhang Shouxin, copilot, Sgt Peng Xingren, Zhou Jie +1.

Gifford Aviation

Crashed into the Bering Sea shortly after takeoff from a sand beach at Big Creek. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were injured. Here is the testimony from Jim Larison who was on board to make a documentary for PBS at the time of the accident: The C-119 aircraft was attempting to take off, but the aircraft could not make lift off speed in time to avoid having to turn right along the beach. As the pilot attempted to turn right we began sliding sideways. The farther right we turned the more the wind became a factor. The aircraft could not gain sufficient airspeed but the speed was great enough that we were light on our wheels so could not make the turn either. Centrifugal force drove us sideways toward the sea. The pilots straightened it up and tried to lift off but we did not have sufficient airspeed to make it into the air. We went out into the Bering Sea perhaps a quarter mile before stalling. The aircraft crashed into the sea and was torn to pieces. The cockpit ended up underneath the fuselage under about 10 feet of water. I was trapped in the wreckage under the fuselage. The pilot came back into the aircraft and freed me from the wreckage. There was no fire. There were five people on board. Luckily no fatalities but survivors were airlifted to Anchorage for medical care. Aircraft was eventually pulled out of the sea and now rests at the mouth of Big Creek in a sand dune. Photos James 'Jim' Larson.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

The crew was completing a local training mission at Pisa-Arturo dell'Oro Airbase (Pisa-San Giusto-Galileo Galilei Airport). Following a steep approach, the airplane landed hard. Upon touchdown, one of the landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid on its belly before coming to rest. There were no injuries but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Hawkins %26 Powers Aviation

The aircraft was engaged in a local test flight at Greybull Airport and was carrying one passenger and three crew members. After takeoff, while climbing, the crew encountered technical problems with the right engine. The captain elected to return and initiated a turn when the aircraft lost height and crashed. All three crew members were killed while the passenger was seriously injured.

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

Crashed in unknown circumstances while taking off from Campo dos Afonsos Airbase. Both pilots were killed.

Vietnam People's Air Force

While approaching the coast to land on an unknown airport, the crew was unable to locate the airfield due to thick fog. The captain evacuated the area and flew over the sea when few minutes later, he ordered all 16 crew members to bail out and to abandon the aircraft that crashed into the sea. 15 occupants were rescued while one was killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was completing a long flight from Lockbourne AFB (Columbus, Ohio) to Amman, Jordan, with intermediate stops in Gander, Keflavik, Wiesbaden, Marseille and Athens. While cruising in poor weather conditions (stormy weather) to the east of the Rhône Valley, the crew failed to realize he was not on the proper flight track, probably due to strong winds gusting from the south. In poor visibility, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located near the Devès Pass, near Aulan. The aircraft was destroyed and all five crew members were killed. Crew: Francis T. Durkin, pilot, Dale R. Anderson, copilot, Marion R. Meckstoch, navigator, William R. Barbor, mechanic, William L. Champion.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew departed Biên Hòa Airport on a mission to An L<U+1ED9>c under callsign Stinger 41. While circling over An L<U+1ED9>c at an altitude of 4,700 feet, the starboard wing was hit by ground fire. The captain reduced his altitude and lower the gear in an attempt to make an emergency landing. This caused high drag and the airplane lost altitude. Seven crew members bailed out and abandoned the aircraft that crash 8 km from An L<U+1ED9>c. All three crew members who remained on board were killed. Crew: Cpt Terrance Francis Courtney, † Lt Jim Barkalow, Cpt David Roddy Slagle, † Lt Col Tashioglou, Lt Larry Barbee, S/Sgt Bare, S/Sgt Kenneth R. Brown, † S/Sgt Dale Iman, S/Sgt Ski Sledzinski, A1c Craig Corbett.

Republic of China Air Force

Two Fairchild C-119 of the Republic of China Air Force departed Hsinchu Airport, taking part to the exercise called 'Qinghe 7', with a total of 70 people including paratroopers. Few minutes after takeoff, while cruising over Linkou, both aircraft separated when 3117 crashed in unknown circumstances on Mt Guanyin, New Taipei District. The aircraft was destroyed and all 39 occupants were killed, most of them members of the special forces.

United States Air Force - USAF

En route on a night gunship mission, the captain informed ground that he lost a propeller blade on the left engine. He elected to return to Ðà N<U+1EB5>ng Airport but eventually decided to continue over the South China Sea where all 10 crew members abandoned the aircraft that crashed into the sea. Nine occupants were found alive while the body of the 10th crew member (T/Sgt Clyde Douglas Alloway) was not recovered.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, while in initial climb at a height of 100 feet, one of the engine failed. The airplane stalled and crashed about 3 km from the airfield. Six crew members were killed while two others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed. Crew: 1st Lt Thomas Lambert Lubbers, 1st Lt Charles Milford Knowles, Maj Meredith Glenn Anderson, Maj Robert Bokern, M/Sgt Joseph Cobden Jeszeck, S/Sgt Allen Chandler, S/Sgt Robert Frederick Fage, Sgt Michael J. Vangelisti.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

After takeoff from Rivolto Airbase, while in initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion in an open field located few km from the airfield. Two passengers were seriously injured while 17 other occupants were killed, among them members of the Italian Army Ski Team and also engineers and technicians of the Aeronautical Military Division of the FIAT Group.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Ðà N<U+1EB5>ng, both engines failed. The airplane stalled and crashed 2 km short of runway threshold. All 10 occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed. The crew was returning to Ðà N<U+1EB5>ng following a reconnaissance mission.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, while climbing, an engine failed and caught fire. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a huge explosion. Six of the 10 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the airplane was carrying a load of ammunitions. Those killed were: Lt Col Bernard Richard Knapic, Maj Moses Lopes Alves, Maj Jerome James Rice, Cpt John Hooper V. Hathaway, S/Sgt Ellsworth Smith Bradford, S/Sgt Abraham Lincoln Moore.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew departed Roosevelt Roads NAS on a routine flight to Homestead AFB, south Florida. Few minutes after takeoff, the radio communication systems apparently failed and the crew decided to return to his departure point for a safe landing. While cruising in poor visibility at an altitude of 3,400 feet, the airplane struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located on the slope of the Pico del Este (1,036 meters high) located in the El Yunque National Park. As the airplane failed to return, SAR operations were conducted and the wreckage was found a day later some 12 km west of Ceiba. All eight crew members were killed.

Royal Norwegian Air Force - Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret

On final approach to Røros Airport, the aircraft was too low when the left main gear struck the ground 13 meters short of runway threshold and was torn off. The aircraft partially belly landed and came to rest on the runway. There were no casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was completing a night training mission out from March AFB, Riverside. While cruising in stormy weather at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the airplane struck tree tops and crashed on the slope of Mt Pallett located 8,4 miles south of Pearblossom. The aircraft impacted the north slope just below the ridge scattering wreckage on both sides of the ridge. All four crew members were killed. Crew: Maj Elvin Estes, Cpt Norman Gassman, Cpt Raymond Miller, S/Sgt Roger DuCharime.

United States Air Force - USAF

A Fairchild C-119CF-FA Flying Boxcar transport plane, 51·8019, had undergone a periodic inspection and was dispatched with a minimum crew for a Functional Check Fight (FCF). In the course of conducting checks at an altitude of 5000 feet, the no. 2 prop did not go into full feather. It continued to windmill. The crew then decided to return to Belleville-Scott AFB, IL (BLV) immediately. The pilot requested a straight-in approach to runway 31. Engine no. 2 was shut down and the plane was configured for landing. The airplane was high on the approach so the crew executed a go around and came in for a second approach. This time the airplane was slightly high and too fast so the pilot again called for a go around. During the transition from a high rate of descent to level flight for go around, the airspeed remained around 130 knots IAS. The captain raised the flaps from 40° to 20° and then reached for the gear up switch. The aircraft struck the runway and slid off the end into a grassy field. A fire that ensued after impact was contained by base crash and rescue crews. Source: ASN

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was performing a flight from Hartford to Binghamton, carrying a load of various equipments. En route, one of the engine failed and the pilot was unable to maintain a safe altitude. At an altitude of 2,000 feet, the mechanic bailed out when the airplane dove into the ground and crashed onto a house located in Scranton. Both pilots were killed as well as a boy on the ground.

Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

While completing a training flight at low height with three paratroopers and a crew of five on board, the airplane struck a hill and crashed. All eight occupants were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

The airplane departed Homestead AFB at 1947LT bound for Cockburn Town, Turks & Caicos Islands with a crew of five and five mechanics on board who were to fix the engine of a C-119. In the evening, while cruising over the Bahamas by night, the airplane disappeared from radar screens and the crew was unable to send any distress call. The last radio communication was recorded while the aircraft was over the region of Crooked Island. Extensive SAR operations were conducted for several days but eventually suspended as no trace of the aircraft nor the 10 occupants was found. On July 18, 1965 debris were found on a beach located on Acklins Island, Bahamas.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

Shortly after takeoff from Pisa-San Giusto-Galileo Galilei Airport, en route to Grosseto, the airplane lost height, struck the water surface and crashed into the sea few km off shore. All six crew members were killed.

Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

The aircraft departed Brussels-Melsbroek Airport in the morning on a flight to Gütersloh Airbase, Germany. Approaching Augustdorf, the captain decided to reduce his altitude to 2,500 feet to make a reconnaissance of the military training camp of Senne located 7 km south of Augustdorf. At this time, British troops were engaged in local exercices consisting of mortar shell fire. While flying too low, the aircraft was struck by several mortar shell and caught fire. Nine passengers were able to bail out and were later recovered uninjured. Out of control, the airplane went into a dive and crashed in flames, killing all 38 remaining occupants. It was reported few days after this tragic event that the aircraft should never being in this area at this time as it has been previously delimited by the British Troops for scheduled exercices. For unknown reason, the crew failed to follow the minimum safe altitude that was fixed at 10,000 feet over the area that day.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

For unknown reason, the airplane belly landed at Pisa-Arturo Dell'Oro Airport. There were no injuries but the aircraft was written off.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Harlingen AFB, while climbing, the aircraft caught fire. All four crew members bailed out and the airplane crashed in flames at Kings Ranch. The airplane was destroyed while all four crew members were uninjured.

Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

The airplane left Chièvres Airbase with a second C-119 registered CP-25 for a local combined training exercise. While flying in the vicinity of the airfield, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located in Montignies-lez-Lens, some 6 km east of the airbase. Both aircraft were destroyed and all 13 crew members were killed. Crew CP-23: Cpt Jules Gerard, Cpt Albert Vermeerbergen, Cdt André Bolle, Adj Gilbert Deneef, S/Maj David Vandemeersche Crew CP-25: Sgt José Decaigny, Adj Alfred Donckier, Cpt Yvan Passchiersens, Sgt Camille Bauvois, Adj Gilbert François, Adj Romeo Decot, Sgt Raoul Depoorter, S/Maj Florimont Delroeux.

Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

The airplane left Chièvres Airbase with a second C-119 registered CP-23 for a local combined training exercise. While flying in the vicinity of the airfield, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located in Montignies-lez-Lens, some 6 km east of the airbase. Both aircraft were destroyed and all 13 crew members were killed. Crew CP-23: Cpt Jules Gerard, Cpt Albert Vermeerbergen, Cdt André Bolle, Adj Gilbert Deneef, S/Maj David Vandemeersche Crew CP-25: Sgt José Decaigny, Adj Alfred Donckier, Cpt Yvan Passchiersens, Sgt Camille Bauvois, Adj Gilbert François, Adj Romeo Decot, Sgt Raoul Depoorter, S/Maj Florimont Delroeux.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

The crew was completing a humanitarian flight from Pisa to Albertville with an intermediate stop at Entebbe on behalf of UNO. After touchdown at Albertville Airport, the crew started the braking procedure when one of the undercarriage struck a hole in the runway surface. On impact, the undercarriage was sheared off, control was lost and the airplane veered off runway before coming to rest in flames. Four crew members were killed while six other occupants were injured.

Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena

The crew was performing a local training flight from Chushul Airstrip when an engine failed in flight. Six occupants bailed out and shortly later, the airplane struck a rocky peak and crashed, killing the three crew members who remained in the airplane.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed. Three crew members were killed and six others were injured, among them some Pakistan soldiers taking part to a UNO mission. Those killed were: Cpt Sergio Celli, pilot, Lt Dario Giorgi, pilot, Italo Quadri.

Italian Air Force - Aeronautica Militare Italiana

The crew encountered an unexpected situation en route and was forced to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in Kwamouth and was damaged beyond repair. There were no injuries. Cpt Farinelli.

United States Air Force - USAF

While approaching Fort Campbell AFB following an uneventful flight from Kelly AFB, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane crashed onto a hill located 3,9 miles short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed and all five crew members were killed.

Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

An engine failed in flight. Due to the combination of an engine out and a high OAT, the crew was unable to maintain a safe altitude despite full power on the remaining engine. The airplane lost speed and height and eventually stalled before crashing on the slope of a mountain located near Kivu Lake. All three crew members and 36 passengers were killed while four passengers were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

En route from Athens to Naples, one of the engines suffered a runaway prop. 15 passengers and the radio operator bailed out over Botricello, intending to land at a nearby emergency field. They couldn't make the field and the pilots and the engineer put the plane down intact on the beach. The slanted beach caused them to veer into the surf and the aircraft ended up in about 10 feet of water. The crew was able to exit the astrodome hatch and swim to shore. Overnight the action of the tide destroyed the aircraft. The rumors that the aircraft was repaired, flown off the beach and put back in service are untrue. Source: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1953.html

Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF

The crew was returning to Canada, carrying the remains of a RCAF DHC-3 Otter (c/n 185) that crashed in Gaza on 19SEP1958. While overflying the Apennins mountain range, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with snow falls and icing conditions. In such circumstances, the airplane lost altitude and eventually, the captain decided to attempt an emergency landing when the airplane struck trees and crashed in a rough terrain. All seven crew members were evacuated while both aircraft were destroyed.

United States Air Force - USAF

En route from Sheppard AFB to Carswell AFB, while cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet in poor weather conditions, the aircraft collided with a USAF Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. Registered 52-0981, the C-124 was en route from Kelly AFB to Tinker AFB with 15 people 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 Navy - USN

The crew left Subic Bay (Cubi Point NAS) bound for Naha, in formation with a reconnaissance Douglas AD-6 Skyraider registered 135350 and carrying one pilot. While approaching Naha Airport, at an altitude of 1,500 feet, both aircraft collided and crashed into the sea about 6,5 km from the airfield. All 26 occupants were killed as well as the Skyraider's pilot.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was performing a flight from Sewart AFB (Smyrna, Tennessee) to Harrisburg-Intl Airport (Olmsted AFB). After passing over Newburg, the crew did not realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located 7 miles north of the city. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all four crew members have been killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

During the takeoff roll on runway 30 at Ashiya Airbase, at a speed of 70 knots, the right engine lost power. The captain decided to abandon the departure and started an emergency braking procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance (runway 30 is 6,000 feet long), the airplane overran, lost its undercarriage and came to a halt in a grassy area. All seven crew members were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Navy - USN

The crew was engaged in a local training sortie from Miami-Opa Locka Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the aircraft suffered engine problems. The crew contacted ATC and elected to ditch the aircraft off Miami. Two crew members were rescued while others drowned.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crashed on takeoff for unknown reason. All eight crew members were rescued and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.