Aircraft crash near Naha during training mission

10 fatalities • Naha, Japan • Flight

A military training flight crashed into a hillside southeast of Naha, resulting in the deaths of all ten personnel on board.

What happened

During a local training mission departing from Kadena Air Force Base, an aircraft was performing low-altitude maneuvers. While attempting to increase altitude while operating within cloud cover, the plane collided with a hill situated approximately 5 km southeast of Naha.

The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the terrain. There were no survivors of the accident, as all ten crew members perished in the crash.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in conditions with limited visibility due to cloud cover.
  • The collision occurred while the crew was attempting to climb following low-level maneuvers.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while attempting to gain altitude within cloud cover.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-04-28 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Naha, Japan?

A military training flight crashed into a hillside southeast of Naha, resulting in the deaths of all ten personnel on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-04-28 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-04-28 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-61677, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Naha, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain while attempting to gain altitude within cloud cover.

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