Japan | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

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.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the pilot of the Skyraider may have lost control of his aircraft following atmospheric turbulences in marginal weather conditions. Also, it is believed he failed to follow several procedures while flying in formation probably after suffering a spatial disorientation combined to an intense fatigue. Experts consider that the crew of the Flying Boxcar also have a certain part of responsibility because he failed to observe a sufficient safe distance between both aircraft and failed to prevent any possible collision. Following this accident, all crew must observe a minimum safe distance of 1,000 feet while flying in formation.

Crash of a Douglas C-47D at Yokota AFB: 6 killed

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

43-48603

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Yokota - Yokota

MSN:

14419/25864

YOM:

1944

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Yokota Airbase, killing all six crew members.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-20-DK at Tachikawa AFB

Date & Time: Oct 11, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

L2-2/90

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

MSN:

12913

YOM:

1944

Flight number:

UNO102

Location:

Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo)

Kantō

Country:

Japan

Region:

Asia

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The crew was engaged in a humanitarian mission to South Korea (flight code UNO102) on behalf of the United Nations Organization (UNO). Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the airplane suffered an engine failure, stalled and crashed into houses located in the district of Sunahawa. All four crew members were rescued and there were no injuries on the ground.

Probable cause:

Engine failure just after takeoff.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-80-DL off Iwo Jima

Date & Time: Oct 2, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Operator:

Registration:

43-15209

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

MSN:

19675

YOM:

1944

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Shortly after takeoff from Iwo Jima Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed into the ocean. All 13 occupants were rescued while the airplane sank and was lost.

Crash of a Douglas DC-4-1009 in Osaka

Date & Time: Sep 30, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-4

Operator:

Registration:

JA6011

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

42982

YOM:

1946

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

After takeoff, while climbing to a height of 300 feet, the crew informed ATC that the engine number one exploded and received the permission to return for a safe landing. After completing a circuit, the captain realized it was not possible to reach the airport so he decided to attempt an emergency landing in a paddy field. The aircraft belly landed and slid for dozen yards before coming to rest in flames. All 57 occupants were able to evacuate the cabin before the aircraft would be totally destroyed by fire.

Probable cause:

Failure and explosion of the engine number one shortly after takeoff.

Crash of a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar near Ashiya AFB: 4 killed

Date & Time: Apr 22, 1957 at 1500 LT

Type of aircraft:

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

Operator:

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

On final approach to Ashiya AFB in poor weather conditions (rain and fog), the airplane hit the slope of Mt Hobashirayama located about 11 km short of runway 30. All four crew members were killed.