Date & Time:
Jun 21, 1977 at 2230 LT
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Operator:
Registration:
156176
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Wake - Agana
MSN:
4280
YOM:
1968
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
4
Pax on board:
12
Pax fatalities:
12
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
16
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Wake Island Airport runway 10, while climbing by night to an altitude of 400 feet, the four engine airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea about 1,500 meters offshore. Two engines and few debris were found while the aircraft sank and was lost. All 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane during initial climb after he suffered a spatial disorientation while flying over the ocean without any visual references. The accident occurred while there was no ATC at airport.
