Aircraft crash during missed approach at Yokota Air Base

9 fatalities • Yokota AFB (Tokyo), Japan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft returning from a combat mission in Korea crashed short of the runway threshold at Yokota Air Base while attempting a go-around.

What happened

During the Korean War era, an aircraft was completing its return flight to Yokota Air Force Base in Tokyo following the conclusion of a combat mission. The aircraft was operating with one engine non-functional at the time of the incident.

As the flight crew performed the final approach, the airplane became unstable. In response to the deteriorating flight conditions, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around procedure. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and descended rapidly, impacting the ground just a few dozen yards before reaching the runway threshold.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. The accident resulted in nine fatalities among the crew members and left five others injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during a go-around maneuver while operating with one engine inoperative.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-10-14 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Yokota AFB (Tokyo), Japan?

An aircraft returning from a combat mission in Korea crashed short of the runway threshold at Yokota Air Base while attempting a go-around.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-10-14 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-10-14 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-86273, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Yokota AFB (Tokyo), Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during a go-around maneuver while operating with one engine inoperative.

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