Overview
Minutes after departing Kadena Airbase en route to Korea, an explosion occurred on engine number three of the aircraft. The pilot-in-command decided to return to base when the right wing separated from the fuselage. The aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea approximately 65 km north of Kadena and 15 km west of Izenajima Island.
Accident Details
The aircraft was on a routine flight from Kadena Airbase to Korea. Shortly after takeoff, an explosion was observed on engine number three. The pilot-in-command initiated a return to base, but before the aircraft could land, the right wing was blown off. The aircraft then became uncontrollable and impacted the water. Rescue operations retrieved three crew members; 12 others did not survive.
Crew and Fatalities
The crew consisted of 15 members: M/Sgt Flyod D. Ashcraft, Maj George T. Barrentine, S/Sgt Arthur J. Bowden, 1st Lt Harold I. Daily, Cpt James F. Dale, 1st Lt Ben P. Levy, Cpl James B. Murray, S/Sgt Carl J. Panepinto, 1st Lt James J. Parkman, Cpl Charles O. Parr, Cpl Edmond M. Rohan, 1st Lt Winfred L. Ruble, Cpt Harold R. Sproul, 1st Lt Willis E. Umholtz, and 2nd Lt Gene E. Wright. Those marked with a dagger (†) per the source were among the 12 killed. Three crew members were rescued.
Investigation
The official investigation identified the probable cause as an explosion of engine number three in flight, which led to the right wing being blown off.