Country
Crash of a Boeing KC-135E Stratotanker at Geilenkirchen AFB: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 13, 1999 at 2055 LT
Operator:
Registration:
59-1452
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Geilenkirchen - Geilenkirchen
MSN:
17940
YOM:
1960
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The aircraft was returning to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB following a refueling mission over Germany on behalf of the 141st Air Refueling Wing in Fairchild, WA. On final approach by night, the crew apparently initiated a go-around procedure when the aircraft pitched up to an angle of 7,5°, stalled and crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the loss of control occurred after the runway trim motor failed on approach which was unnoticed by the crew, causing the aircraft to nose up when power was applied. The cause of the runaway motor remains unknown.
Crash of a Boeing EC-135C at Pope AFB
Date & Time:
Sep 2, 1997
Operator:
Registration:
63-8053
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pope - Pope
MSN:
18701
YOM:
1964
Crew on board:
11
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training flight at Pope AFB. For unknown reasons, the aircraft landed very hard, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft was stopped on the runway and all 11 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Crash of a Boeing EC-135J Stratotanker at Pope AFB
Date & Time:
May 29, 1992 at 1420 LT
Operator:
Registration:
62-3584
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pope AFB - Pope AFB
MSN:
18567
YOM:
1963
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
11
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was completing a local training flight at Pope AFB. Apparently following a wrong approach configuration, the aircraft landed too far down the runway and was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest, broken in two. All 14 occupants were injured.
Ground explosion of a Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker at Pease AFB
Date & Time:
Jan 11, 1990 at 1030 LT
Operator:
Registration:
59-1494
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
17982
YOM:
1960
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While parked at Pease AFB and under maintenance, the aircraft suffered several explosions and caught fire. Two mechanics evacuated safely and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. It is believed the aircraft caught fire as it was being prepared for refueling and had a little fuel on board.
Crash of a Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker in Carlingford: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 4, 1989 at 0600 LT
Operator:
Registration:
56-3592
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Loring - Loring
MSN:
17341
YOM:
1957
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The crew departed Loring AFB on a training flight. While cruising by night along the US-Canada border, the aircraft suffered an explosion, entered a dive and crashed in an open field located in Carlingford, New Brunswick. The aircraft was destroyed and all four crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
A fuel pump go dry and ignited fuel vapor after becoming overheated. Fifth KC-135 accident due to similar causes. At least 1,500 liters of fuel must remain in all tanks to avoid fuel pump overheating.
Ground explosion of a Boeing KC-135E Stratotanker at Eielson AFB: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Sep 20, 1989 at 1500 LT
Operator:
Registration:
57-1481
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Eielson - Eielson
MSN:
17552
YOM:
1958
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful refueling mission, the crew returned to Eielson AFB. After landing, the aircraft was parked on the apron and when the crew shut down the engine, an explosion occurred. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire and two crew members were killed while five others were rescued.
Probable cause:
It was determined that a fuel pump overheated, causing an explosion after contacting fuel vapor.
